Founder of America’s largest cable company is dead

 

                The man who built America’s largest cable company has passed away.  On Thursday night, Ralph Roberts, chairman emeritus of Comcast , died at the age of 95. Roberts founded Comcast more than 50 years ago as a small 1,200-subscriber cable system in Tupelo, Mississippi and grew it into one of the largest companies in America with more than 22 million subscribers for each of television and internet.

“Ralph was a remarkable man who touched the lives of so many people,” the Roberts family said in a statement. “He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and perhaps most importantly, a kind and humble human being. He will always be remembered for his generosity, integrity, honesty, kindness and respect for everyone around him. He was an inspiration to us all and we will miss him greatly.”

              Roberts is survived by his wife of over 70 years, Suzanne, as well as four children and eight grandchildren. One of those children, his son Brian Roberts, took over as CEO in 2002. The 56-year-old returned to the billionaire ranks two years ago as Comcast stock rose with the purchase of NBCUniversal and the failed acquisition attempt of Time Warner Cable .
“Ralph built Comcast into one of America’s greatest companies and his vision and spirit have been at the heart of Comcast and our culture for 50 years,” the company said. “He will be truly missed.”
Roberts graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1941, and also served a four-year tour of duty in the U.S. Navy.