PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) is saddened to announce that its Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Ralph J. Roberts, died of natural causes last night in Philadelphia, PA. He was 95.
Ralph Roberts was a born entrepreneur, great American businessman and philanthropist, who played a key role in the development of the cable television business. He founded Comcast in 1963 with the purchase of a 1,200-subscriber cable system in Tupelo, Mississippi. He grew the Company from its humble roots as a small, regional cable company into the global Fortune 50 media and technology leader it is today.
During his more than five decades at Comcast, Ralph became one of the most well-regarded executives in America. He was widely respected and admired for his visionary leadership and spirit, his passion for the business and his deep sense of integrity and courtesy. Most importantly, he was a kind and humble man who has been the heart and soul of Comcast for over 50 years.
Ralph was respected and acknowledged throughout his life for his involvement in community and civic activities. He was committed to the fight against cancer and, in 2006, along with his wife Suzanne and his family, helped establish the Roberts Proton Therapy Center at Penn Medicine. He also served on the boards of the Council of Emeritus Directors of the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Brandywine Museum and Conservancy, the Advisory Board of the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition, the Penn Medicine Board of Trustees and the National Conference for Community and Justice.
Most recently, Ralph was presented, along with his wife, Suzanne with the Philadelphia Award, in recognition of their lifetime contributions to the City of Philadelphia in the worlds of business, philanthropy, and arts and culture.
Ralph is survived by Suzanne Roberts, his wife of over 70 years. An actress, director and host of Seeking Solutions with Suzanne, Suzanne has spent a lifetime seeking to help others.
In addition to his wife, Ralph is survived by four of his children and their spouses: Catherine R. Clifton and Anthony A. Clifton, Lisa S. Roberts and David Seltzer, Ralph Roberts Jr. and Kim Roberts, Brian L. Roberts and Aileen K. Roberts and Diane Roberts, widow of Ralph and Suzanne’s son Douglas Roberts, who passed away in September 2011. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren.
Comcast said in a statement:
“Ralph was a born entrepreneur, a visionary businessman, a philanthropist and a wonderful human being. Ralph built Comcast into one of America's greatest companies and his vision and spirit have been at the heart of Comcast and our culture for 50 years. He will be truly missed. Ralph’s greatest love was his family, and our deepest sympathies go to his wife Suzanne and the entire Roberts family.”
The family will host a private service for the family. There will be a Remembrance Ceremony to celebrate the incredible life of Ralph Roberts in the future.
For more information on the life and contributions of Ralph Roberts as well as his biography please visit: www.comcastcorporation.com
