Editor’s note: We were just notified that Geno Roberts passed away this afternoon. The following article was printed in this morning's edition. Geno, a humble man, consented to persistent requests for an interview two weeks ago because he wanted to thank the community for its support. We kept the article as it was published in our print edition today as a salute to him for his service to the people of our town. We extend our condolences to the Roberts family.

By RICH STRACK

After 49 operations, a double leg amputation, and a near-fatal automobile crash, Geno Roberts is thankful to be alive and grateful to live in Palmerton. Recently, the community came together to say thank you to this man who has dedicated his life to serving his hometown.

Palmerton proud

After playing three high school sports at Palmerton, Roberts remained a Bomber to coach there for 38 years.

Editor’s note: We were just notified that Geno Roberts passed away this afternoon. Geno consented to this interview two weeks ago because he wanted to thank the community for its support. We salute him for his service to the many people of our town.

After 49 operations, a double leg amputation, and a near-fatal automobile crash, Geno Roberts is thankful to be alive and grateful to live in Palmerton. Recently, the community came together to say thank you to this man who has dedicated his life to serving his hometown.

Palmerton proud

After playing three high school sports at Palmerton, Roberts remained a Bomber to coach there for 38 years.

“I became an assistant football and baseball coach and eventually, a head coach for girls basketball,” he said. “Then I coached Palmerton Booster Club football for five years. We had a lot of success with kids from ages 9 through 13. We won a championship in 2013.”

In addition to his coaching, which included directing a basketball camp through this past summer, Roberts became known around town for volunteering his time and skills to build community projects for kids and residents. He and his twin brother, Darryl, built a new weight room at the high school, constructed dugouts on the baseball field, and put up a concession stand for the football field.

“We never charged a dime for our labor,” said Roberts. “Money doesn’t mean anything to me. It’s whatever I can do to help people and especially the kids in Palmerton that matters most.”

Roberts didn’t turn down a project because a resident couldn’t pay for the material.

“I was building an addition for a man who had lost his job and he couldn’t pay me for the materials. While I was working on his home, someone came and repossessed his car. I wasn’t going to charge him anything at all, but eventually he offered to pay for some of the materials.”

Magnitudes of misfortunes

Roberts and Cindy, his wife of 46 years, raised their two sons, Ryan and Steven, and their daughter, Rebecca in Palmerton while he worked in local industries. About six years ago, Geno developed an ulcer on his foot. A diagnosis confirmed Roberts had advanced diabetes. Doctors amputated his toe, then his foot, and eventually, removed both of his legs up to his knees. As if these circumstances weren’t difficult enough, Roberts needed kidney dialysis treatment and open-heart surgery.

“I tell everybody I have half a heart left, but it’s big enough to be upbeat and to be thankful,” he said. “My wife, Cindy, has been my rock. She’s been by my side through it all and my children have been there for me, too.”

Then on June 4, Roberts was in a crash that left him with two broken ribs, two broken hips, and shattered femurs that required doctors to insert metal rods into his half legs for stability.

“Geno was in the hospital for two weeks,” said Cindy, who works at Country Harvest in town. I knew nothing would stop him. He always keeps pushing and he never gives up.”

Community steps up

While he recuperated in the hospital, Palmerton Booster Club President Todd Frank and his wife, Melissa, started a fundraising campaign to help Roberts pay his rising number of bills and to say thank you for all he has done for their community.

“Geno Roberts is the strongest man I have ever known,” said Frank. “He promised his football team he would be there for the first practice in July. One month after the accident, he showed up at the field.”

The booster club raised money from T-shirt sales. One read, “Tough Times Don’t Last. Tough People Do.”

Other shirts said, “Bomber for Life,” and “Geno #33, One Tough SOB.” (33 was his high school number)

Local businesses contributed to the campaign. Country Harvest held a bake sale. Subway had a special “meal night” and donated 20 percent of the proceeds to the Roberts family.

“The line at Subway was backed up outside and the place was packed for five hours,” said Frank. “I’ve never seen a town come together like ours to show our appreciation for everything Geno has done for this community.”

Several thousand dollars were given to the Roberts family to help pay their medical deductibles, purchase an electric wheelchair, and help buy a handicap van to replace the one totaled in the crash.

“When we presented the money to Geno,” said Frank, “he rolled up to me on his wheelchair and said, ’I don’t want anything. Give it all to the kids.’ He’s an amazing man with the biggest heart.”

“We live in a great town with so many wonderful people,” Roberts said. “I will be indebted to them forever for their kindness and generosity. There just aren’t the right words to tell them how grateful I feel.”

“Palmerton is the best place in the world to live,” Cindy added.

Love and courage

When asked how she has stood by her man through all his trials and tribulations, Cindy did not hesitate to answer.

“I just want him around for as long as possible,” she said.” I worry about him. He pushes himself too hard to do what he can for people. Geno treats everyone he meets with the same respect. He loves them all.”

Despite so many setbacks, Geno and Cindy Roberts still follow a busy schedule, spending time with their seven grandchildren and attending their sporting events.

“The positives far outweigh the negatives,” he said when reflecting on his life.

“My love for the people and the kids keeps me going. Life is made with your choices and you have to live with those choices. The most important thing that I can say is to never, ever give up.”

For Geno Roberts and the people of Palmerton, a choice has been made to never, ever give up on each other.