John P Roberts

    Our beloved John Patrick Roberts, 85, of Carlsbad, California, passed away on March 21, 2026, surrounded by his family. John was born on March 3, 1941, in New York City, and grew up in Summit New Jersey (NJ).  After graduating from Bayley-Ellard High School in Madison NJ, in 1958, he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Seton Hall University in 1962 and a Master of Business Administration from Seton Hall in 1964 focusing on marketing and management.

    Early in his career, he held positions of increasing responsibility at General Foods, Hunt- Wesson, Buitoni Foods, and Riviana Foods. He later served as President of Romanoff International, where he branched into specialty foods.  In 1989, he joined the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT), now known as the Specialty Food Association (SFA).  He served as President of NASFT for nearly 18 years, retiring in 2006.  NASFT membership doubled during his tenure, and revenues increased from $4 million to $22 million.  After 2006, John continued to provide his expertise to the specialty food industry as the owner and president of Blackpoint Management, an independent consulting firm.  In 2014 he was inducted into the Specialty Food Association’s Hall of Fame for his positive impact on the industry, and in 2015 he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Specialty Food Association for his outstanding contributions.

    As a resident of the La Costa Glen community, he served as treasurer of the Resident Council and liaison to the Finance Committee and contributed his talents and energies to the Health Center Wellness Fund and Employee Appreciation Fund. 

    John is survived by his sister-in-law Lorraine (Joseph Calvarese), brother-in-law Ronald (Rose Masi), sister-in-law Erna, and his sons John and Richard. He was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Patricia, and his son Kenneth.  He is also fondly remembered by his daughters-in-law Leslie, Sylvia, and Deborah, granddaughters Christiana (Patrick Rooney), Sophia, Isabella, grandson Jonathan, great grandson Liam, and his many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. His family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues continue to share treasured memories of his insight, kindness, generosity, and sense of humor.

    His family celebrated John’s life at a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to a charity you support. 

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