Memorial Trees
G
Gary Diedrichs
January 11, 2025
Memorial trees planted for:
Michael D. Roberts
<p>MICHAEL D. ROBERTS, age 85, died on January 3, 2025 at Rose Senior Living in Beachwood, OH. He was born July 21, 1939 in Middlesboro, Kentucky. His family moved to Cleveland shortly after and Mike grew up in Garfield Hts. He graduated from Garfield Hts. High School, where he made lifelong friends. Always interested in the printed word, Mike and his brother Richard operated a print shop out of their basement during high school, serving the community with posters, flyers, wedding invitations and business cards. He received his college degree from Baldwin Wallace College, and later served on the Board of Directors for Baldwin Wallace.</p><p><br></p><p>Mike’s career as a newspaper reporter, editor and journalist took off when he joined the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Mike covered almost every major story in 1960’s Cleveland. He served as the Plain Dealer’s war correspondent in Vietnam and the Middle East for several years. He also covered the Kent State Shootings in 1971. Mike’s first book, Thirteen Seconds – Confrontation at Kent State, co- written by Joe Eszterhas, is still used as a textbook on the subject. Mike served as City Editor of the Plain Dealer, leaving in 1973 to become the first and longest serving editor of Cleveland Magazine, and later as editor of Boston Magazine. Returning to Cleveland, he worked in Public Relation for NASA Lewis Research Center and began his own public relations firm. His latest Book, Hot Type, Cold Beer, and Bad News, reflects on his early years in Cleveland journalism. Mike was inducted into the Press Club of Cleveland’s Hall of Fame in 1995.</p><p><br></p><p>Cleveland sports were a favorite interest for Mike, especially the Indians and the Browns. His love of photography led to a wonderful collection of Cleveland sport images. Another special fascination for Mike was WWII aircraft, and the plane models he built were perfectly detailed.</p><p><br></p><p>Mike is survived by his wife of 54 years, Patricia (nee: Weitzel) and his brother Richard (Carol), brother-in-law Douglas Katcher, brother-in-law Dennis (Bridgette) Weitzel, nephews Michael J. Roberts, Steven J. (Dawn) Roberts, Nicholas Weitzel and niece Beth Katcher Hoch. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Katherine Katcher.</p><p><br></p><p>The Memorial gathering and Celebration of his Life will be held Wednesday, January 15, 2025, from 1:00 – 4:00 PM at Rose Senior Living, 23611 Harvard Road, Beachwood, 44122. Prayers, special tributes and memories will be shared at 2:00 PM.</p><p><br></p><p>The family suggests donations in Mike’s name should be made to Baldwin Wallace College, 278 Front Street, Berea, 44017 or The Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter, 9500 Sweet Valley Dr, Valley View, 44125; www.animalshelter.cuyahogacounty.gov</p><p><br></p><p>Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to the Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon. Information and condolences at www.burrservice.com</p><p><br></p>July 21, 1939 - January 3, 202507/21/193901/03/2025
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