David M. Roberts, age 61, of Canton, passed away Friday, February 14, 2014. He was born on July 12, 1952 in Boston, Massachusetts to the late Nathaniel and Ruth Mary (Semels) Roberts. David was a member of Temple Israel. David worked in administration for the City of Canton, later was a fair housing specialist with the Canton Urban League and then worked in the administration of Multi-Development Services of Stark County. David was active with the Canton Jaycee's serving as a Senator and was involved with the founding of the City Club of Canton. David's positive spirit lifted those around him. His sincerity and singular laugh were especially welcome at gatherings of friends and family as were his storytelling skills. Betty Smith's Facebook post, "Dave was my right hand when I was the Executive Director of Multi-Development Services of Stark County. He was reliable, trustworthy, loyal and such a hard-working person. Dave was always at work 90 minutes before starting time and would stay as late as I needed him to. He learned how to write government grants and the two of us were able to get needed funding for a homeless shelter and a 10 unit housing unit for women and children. He was by my side with the Summit Neighborhood Enrichment Team that walked the entire neighborhood many times with the police department, sanitation department and other needed officials to help make improvements. I could go on and on about the many things he helped accomplish." David was preceded in death by his wife Pauline J. on June 24, 2004. David is survived by a sister, Ellen Roberts of CA; brother and sister-in-law Steve and Ann Roberts of Denver, CO; and an extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. The family asks that memorial contributions be made to EN-RICH-MENT, a not for profit that provides free music lessons and instruments to underserved urban youth. Mail to 4110 Meadowview Dr, NW, Canton OH 44718 A memorial service will be held at 1:30 PM on Sunday, April 27, 2014. Temple Israel 432 30th St N.W. Canton, OH 44709 (Arnold 330-456-7291) www.arnoldfuneralhome.com