David M. Roberson

David M. Roberson, 74, of Boston, MA, died at Brigham and Women’s Hospital on December 3, 2024 after a long illness. He was born April 2, 1950 in Buffalo, NY, to Josephine and Leander Roberson. He graduated from Boys' High School in Brooklyn in 1967, then from the University of Oregon in 1971, where he played college football, was involved in student politics, and met his wife Lauri. He later completed a Master’s degree in Literacy and Reading at New York University.
A teacher throughout his working life in New York City, Seattle, and Buffalo, David cared deeply for his students and went out of his way to challenge them intellectually and nurture them. During one of Buffalo's infamous snowstorms, he stayed at his elementary school overnight to help tend to the kids who couldn't get home. Throughout his long teaching career he advocated for those students who were marginalized by the school system.
Outside of work, David enjoyed music, theater, murder mysteries, and word games. He loved to spend time in the art museum, absorbing each work intently before moving on. Though he could be reserved, even stoic at times, he had a playful side as well: when at ease, he was quick to crack a joke or sing along to a favorite record. He also had a deep commitment to social justice, consistently espousing values of gender and racial equality and respect for each other's differences.
David is survived by his wife Lauri Johnson; his children, Matthew Johnson-Roberson and wife Alice Whyte, and Cora Johnson-Roberson and husband Alex Moore-Niemi; his granddaughter, Rosemary; and his sister Katherine Roberson and nephew David Akiele Collins.

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