Obituary of John G. Roberts, Jr.

John G. Roberts, Jr. was ushered into heaven encircled by the tender devotion of family and in the loving arms of the woman he called “my beautiful wife,” Dawn Guild Roberts. John was the cherished father of Lynn Gerwitz (Randy), Susan Senick (Scott), Shannon Briggs (Edward), and Brian Roberts, whom he loved unconditionally and who were unfailingly by his side in the final days of his life. He was predeceased by his beloved son John III, into whose embrace he was surely delivered. He was eternally grateful for the blessings of his precious grandchildren, Stephen (Christina), Krystina, Eddie, Tiffany, Chelsea, Katie, Scott, and Amanda; his great granddaughter Jenna; the gift of his brother Charles; the extended family and friends that enriched his life with immeasurable joy; and to his former wife, Carole, with whom he shared his children. John was dearly loved and will live forever in the hearts of all “the Guild Girls,” to whom he was father-figure, brother, confidant, guardian angel, and lifelong friend. John began his career working at International Paper and moved on to Johnny Ryan Distributing, where he launched the beginning of a vast network of friends. He went on to establish Lewiston’s renowned Apple Granny Restaurant in 1975, which he nurtured successfully for 40 years until his retirement in 2015. Among the many awards presented to him on behalf of Apple Granny were the Niagara Falls Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award in 1992, Greater Lewiston Business and Professional Association Businessperson and Business of the year 2001, the 2007 Calvin Hotchkiss Award by the Lewiston Historical Association, and Rand McNally Best Small Towns in America - Best for Food in 2013. John loved his Apple Granny family, and it was very important to him that they felt valued and respected. He greeted everyone he knew with a smile, handshake, hug, or kiss, and had a way of making everyone around him feel special. His sense of humor and his big, infectious laugh will be sorely missed. John’s ashes will be interred with those of his grandparents, his parents, and his son John in a private graveside ceremony on July 28, which would have been his son’s 56th birthday. A public celebration of John’s life will be held at the Lewiston Fire Company #1, 145 N. 6th Street, Lewiston on Monday, August 15 from 4:00-7:00. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name to The Elephant Sanctuary (27 East Main St. Hohenwald TN, 38462 or www.Elephants.com), Niagara Hospice or Lewiston Fire Co. #1 would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements have been entrusted to HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Sts., Lewiston, NY.