Media Broker W. Donald Roberts Jr. Dies At 85

W. Donald Roberts Jr., former radio station owner and media broker, died July 23 at his home in Keswick, Va. He was 85.

Roberts enlisted in the Army Air Corps. four months prior to his 18th birthday in 1944. Upon his return from service, he attended the University of Illinois. Roberts was a salesman with advertising agencies Foote, Cone & Belding and Peters, Griffin & Woodward in Dayton, Ohio, and Chicago, respectively.

He then went into business with his father as vice president of Roto Forge Corp. in Rockford, Ill. Upon his father’s retirement he became a co-owner of the Minocqua Marine Mart, in Minocqua, Wis. He returned to the media business with his purchase of radio stations WJMS and WIMI in Ironwood, Mich., and WJMT and WMZK in Merrill-Wausau, Wis.

Later Roberts also operated two stations in Endicott, N.Y., and two in Atlantic City, N.J.

After selling his radio stations, Roberts became a media broker with media brokerage firm Kozacko Media Services.

“Although he was less active in recent years, Don was the consummate community broadcaster who helped many aspiring owners get started in radio,” said Jody McCoy, president of the National Association of Media Brokers.

He is survived by his wife Maureen, three daughters, two sons, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Private family services were held last week. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, American Cancer Society, Children’s Tumor Foundation or Hospice of the Piedmont.