Roberts enthusiastically supported the work of EWI for many years a donor, as advisor to the institute’s founder, President and CEO John Mroz, and as a long-time member of the Board of Councilors.

John A. Roberts was born in Cohassett, Massachusetts in 1938. A graduate of Fordham University, Roberts served in the U.S. Air Force from 1960-1965. Throughout his career in international business and marketing, he worked as an executive for several corporations including Chilmark Enterprises, Takasago USA, Monsanto and Naarden International. Beyond the business world, he served as a member of the World Presidents Organization, Young Presidents Intercontinental Chapter, the ASU School of Religion and Conflict and the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations.

Roberts was also a member of the advisory board of the Cordoba Initiative, a multi-national, multi-faith organization dedicated to improving MuslimWest relations.

He is survived by his longtime friend and companion Mary E. Holland, daughters Stephanie and Tracy, sons John III and Jeffrey, sisters Kathleen and Maureen, grandchildren Timothy, Jack and Katherine, and numerous nieces and nephews.