George Schafer Roberts
Jan. 8, 1933-Sept. 26, 2023
Woodside, California

George Schafer Roberts passed away peacefully at his home in Woodside, CA on Tuesday, September 26th, with his family by his side. He was 89 years old. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Kathie Roberts, by his three children and son-in-law, Christine Roberts, Suzanne and Robert Vandenberg, and Brian Roberts, his stepson, Braxton Zink, along with six grandchildren, Kyle Strasburg (25) Thomas Vandenberg (20), Reid Vandenberg (17), Charlotte Vandenberg (15), Harrison Roberts (9), and Peter Roberts (9).

George was born in San Francisco on January 8, 1934, to Cora Schafer and William F. Roberts II, the youngest of three siblings, Lorraine Mielke and William F. Roberts III, both deceased. George was a San Francisco native. Born and raised in the city, he grew up working in the family grocery business on California Street in San Francisco. He graduated from George Washington HS in 1952 and earned a degree in Geography from Stanford University in 1956.

Hard work was ingrained in his family culture, with his father and uncles involved in the business, teaching him the ropes from a young age. As he grew into a teenager, he had many adventures delivering groceries around San Francisco in a box truck - often resulting in a few dings and scratches. The softer side of his upbringing came from the loving support of his Aunt Blanche, who lived with the family during his childhood. George enjoyed vacationing at their summer home in Ross, escaping the fog of the city during summer months.

George enlisted in the Army and served in Germany during the cold war as a Private First Class. Aside from the ten-day sea passage across the Atlantic, he spoke fondly about his experience in the Army. He taught high school to infantrymen in Germany where they manufactured ball bearings for the war. After the war, he bought an Alfa Romeo and drove it cross-country back to San Francisco with his brother Bill.

Living in San Francisco, he quickly returned to his life of groceries and football. An avid football fan and Stanford season ticket holder for 40 years, he frequently ventured to Palo Alto to cheer on his alma mater. On a fall afternoon circa 1960, on the way home from a game, he found a store for sale on a dirt road in Woodside, called Caldwell’s General Store. He took over operations, renamed it Roberts Market, and the rest is history. His vision was more than just being a business owner in Woodside, but to create a town center with a mix of services offered by fellow community members where neighbors would gather. That vision became a reality when he acquired Canada Corners.

George excelled at business. When it came to the grocery business, George was one of the best. It was in his blood, every detail, and he loved it. Roberts Market became an institution, beloved in the community of Woodside for over 60 years. He cared deeply about his employees, the heart and soul of his business, and was proud to have many that stayed with him for decades. There would hardly be a day you wouldn’t run into George, greeting customers, and watching over operations. In 2009, he opened a second store in Portola Valley. His daughter, Christine, who has worked by his side for many years and will continue the operations of the business.

George was active and loved the outdoors. After work, you could find him in the garden pruning, planting, and watering his expansive garden. He was an avid tennis player, a great doubles partner, and continued playing well into his 80s. He also enjoyed spending time in the Sierra Nevada mountains, hiking, biking, and skiing.

George was blessed with a long and happy life. He loved to have family and friends around his dinner table. A casual night of pizza and wine was his favorite. Wine tastings were a frequent event as he was always on the hunt for an everyday wine he could put his label on. We will miss his wry humor and the many stories, strong opinions, and extensive football knowledge he shared.

He will be remembered as a great businessman, loyal friend, and devoted family man. Memorials can be directed to his favorite charities, Towers for Tunnels and Wounded Warriors.

Tags: veteran, business