Philip Alfred Roberson

On Sunday, October 2, Philip Alfred Roberson died of a heart attack in his home at the age of 73. He was born in Canton, Ohio on March 8, 1949, to Alfred C. and Marilyn J. (Craig) Roberson. He is preceded in death by his son, Jacob A. Roberson. He leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Sharon (German), his daughter Ruth (Kevin) Laughary, and his 4 grandchildren, Joan, Grace, Luke, and Hannah Laughary. He is also survived by his 10 siblings: Jean M. Knapp, John (Patty) R. Roberson, Evelyn (Joel) Robertson, Mary (Ron) Pribich, Virginia (Gary) Heckathorn, Janet (Geno) Ascani, Joyce (Mike) Spelman, Patricia Smith, Paul Roberson, Marilyn (Tom) Morledge and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Phil was the President and CEO of NFM/Welding Engineers in Massillon, OH, which he co-founded with his brothers in 1985. In the past 37 years NFM has become a world-class manufacturing center. Phil was proud to have a company that provided good jobs in the community and manufactured equipment in America. NFM offers a tool and die apprenticeship program and is at the forefront of polymer research and development. A bit more about NFM:

NFM / Welding Engineers, Inc. has built its business through growth and acquisition from a machine shop to a global leader in innovative design and manufacturing of extrusion equipment. Built on a strong foundation of manufacturing and craftsmanship, NFM has excelled in the development of new processing technologies and has earned a strong reputation in providing Extrusion Systems and Solutions for the rubber and plastics industries. Their specialties include Rubber Extrusion Systems, Plastic Extrusion Systems, Polymer Compounding, and Post-Reactor Polymer Finishing.

Phil was a 40-year congregant of Church of the Covenant in Canton, Ohio. His faith was always apparent whether at the dinner table, after the death of his son, or in other times of crisis. He had numerous community awards that are a testament to his generosity including being the 1st recipient of the Paul L. David Humanitarian Award in 2013. Phil was a retired member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary (24 years); a member of the Massillon Rotary Club; a member of The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry; he served on the Stark County Sheriff’s Department Auxiliary/Sheriff’s Academy Judo Club. He was a major sponsor and contributor to the Boys and Girls Club of Massillon, Salvation Army, D.A.R.E. Program, Shop with Cops, Massillon Little League (he rented the fields to the city for $1), the Stark County Family Living Center, and numerous other charitable organizations.

Phil embodied the American Dream. He was an entrepreneur, a tradesman, and a philosopher. He was generous with his wealth and always ready to give his advice—with his unique (and loud) flair. He enjoyed fishing trips to Canada and gambling trips to Atlantic City. He loved to talk politics and sports and was always up for a good debate. He saw the beauty of the world God created and was a seeker of knowledge and truth. He was a solid member of the community and someone many people relied on for guidance and support. His impact on the people he knew is immeasurable.

Calling hours will be held at Paquelet Funeral Home, 1100 Wales Road, Massillon, OH 44646 on Friday, Oct 7, 2022, 11am-3pm, and 5pm-8pm. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 8, at 10am at Church of the Lakes, 5944 Fulton Dr NW, Canton, OH. Please see the Paquelet Website for a more detailed obituary. Internment and a celebration of life reception will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Jake Roberson Memorial Splash Park in Massillon. Make checks payable to “City of Massillon” with memo “Splash Park”. They can be mailed to Roberson Splash Park, 151 Lincoln Way East, Massillon, OH 44646.