Roberto Ernesto King
February 16, 1953 ~ February 6, 2025
Roberto Ernesto King, Sr. was born on February 16, 1953, in Panama City, Panama, to the late Roberto King and Olga Gordon. As the middle child between his brothers, Rigoberto King and Rogelio King, Roberto grew up in a home filled with love and strong values. He attended Colegio Abel Bravo Preparatory School, where his passion for learning began to take root.
As a young man, Roberto married the late Gloria Maria King. Together, they embarked on a new journey, immigrating to the United States to build a life of love, dedication, and family. They raised three wonderful children: Hasekana Shannon Wisdom, Roxanna King-Pamoja, and Roberto Ernesto King, Jr. After the heartbreaking loss of his beloved wife, Roberto remained steadfast in his devotion to his children, ensuring they were well-loved, supported, and provided for.Roberto pursued higher education at the City College of New York, where he studied Chemistry, driven by his love for the sciences. His career later led him into the banking industry, where he thrived until his retirement from Signature Bank of New York in 2022. Even in retirement, his strong work ethic kept him engaged in the professional world for a few more years.
Outside of work, Roberto found joy in golfing, gardening, and home improvement projects. A talented handyman, he took pride in beautifying both his own home and those of his loved ones. His generosity and craftsmanship left lasting impressions on many. With penchant for service, Roberto was a member of both the Masons and Gideons International, dedicating his time to faith, fellowship, and community support.
Known for his kindness, wisdom, and radiant smile, Roberto was a beloved confidant who offered a listening ear and sound advice. His love extended beyond family, as he cherished his friendships with his coworkers and neighbors. Roberto’s legacy of love, care, and integrity will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him.On February 6, 2025, Roberto passed away peacefully. He was predeceased by his wife, Gloria Maria King; his parents, Roberto King and Olga Gordon; and his brothers, Rigoberto King and Rogelio King.
He leaves behind a loving family to cherish his memory: his partner, Jezelle Rivers; his children, Hasekana Shannon Wisdom (Ysaak), Roxanna King-Pamoja (Josiah), and Roberto Ernesto King Jr. (Melody); his grandsons, De’Shawn Shannon and Pernell Outerbridge; Sister-in-Law, Joyce King and a host of devoted family members and friends.Roberto’s kindness, strength, and unwavering love will forever be remembered.
In Celebration of the Life of Roberto King, the family kindly request you wear colorful attire in loving memory of his bright personality and love for color.
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No matter what building we worked in between Republic National Bank and Signature Bank, Roberto King would always grace me with a smile and conversation. He was such a great man, wise, kind and handsome. My heart really hurt when I found out of his illness and hurt even more of his passing. May God bless his soul and God bless his family. Roberto will be missed but never forgotten. RIP ROBERTO. Love from Kaaren
Roberto, the perfect gentleman and a dear friend. He was a part of our Signature Bank family (as well as banks before) and will be deeply missed. I personally have fond memories of our working together and how his wonderful personality made even the toughest projects easier.
Rest in peace dear friend.
I have know Roberto since 1992. We became brothers from the very beginning and always called each other uncle. We shared so many good times together whether at dinners, lunches, in the office and especially on the golf course. He was a beautiful person who taught us all how to laugh, love and pray. He was the kindest person I have ever known and was so quick to help others. A great husband, boy friend, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend who loved everyone unconditionally. To his family I offer you my deepest condolences and my prayers. Remember his love for you will always be with you until you are united again with him. I will miss you uncle, and you will always be in my heart. May you rest in peace and may our loving Savior embrace you and bring you into His kingdom. God Bless you all.
I was blessed to have known Roberto since my days at Bankers Trust Company. I can recall him in the sorter room there. Then when he moved onto Republic National Bank of NY he became a programmer. And I can remember his wonderful wife Gloria, who worked with me at Republic.
If anyone knew Roberto the first thing that you would remember was his smile and his willingness to listen to your position. Roberto was a great human being. He was one of the ‘good guys’ and will be missed.
KT
For nineteen years, I had the privilege of working alongside Roberto, a man patient, kind and there with unwavering support. Bert was a steady presence, calm under pressure, always ready to help and never without his 1000 watt smile. He was more than a co-worker, he was a friend. Rest in peace my friend. I am grateful to have known you.
My memories of Roberto range from our encounters at Bankers Trust in the late 70’s. Roberto was always “soft spoken” and had a warm smile. I watched as he became even more proficient in his “craft” as his assignments became more complex. We were an organization that was “small” when compared to other banks and teamwork was a must. Everyone wanted Bert on their respective team, as he worked so very well with others. I noted how supportive he was of his family. We will miss Roberto. May GOD bless and keep you my friend. Al Jenkins
Roberto left behind a legacy that will live on forever in the souls of all whom he touched. A true gentleman, pure of heart with good intentions, who exemplified kindness, honesty, integrity, compassion, and humor. We’ll cherish all the memories of working alongside as well as having fun with Roberto at company outings. He will always be remembered in our thoughts. RIP, my friend. May God bless, protect, and give your family and friends strength during this most difficult time.
Q: How did you meet Roberto?
A: Roberto (Bert) King and I met at Republic Bank in September 1982, forging a deep friendship rooted in faith. His eagerness to grow closer to God led him to the Church of the Intercessor in Long Island, where we worshipped together until his move to Atlanta. Our last conversation in December 2024 was filled with praise and prayer, reflecting our shared devotion. He was cherished by my wife Jacquelyn and me, and his absence will be profoundly felt. Rest in peace, dear friend. Your spirit and faith will always remain with us.
John 15:5: “…without me, you can do nothing…”
Hebrews 13:5 “…I will never leave you nor forsake you…”
1 Thes. 5:17 “…pray without ceasing…”
Good Times, Good Memories, We Are Going To Miss You
I met Roberto through work as he was on the management team of a client Bank. As others have said, Roberto was easy to work with as he was all about sharing in successes and over the years that turned into decades we shared in many successes together. As time wore on our mutual goals and trust that we both trusted one another we developed and becoming friends. I can remember going to lunch at a favorite spot where 99% of customers and workers spoke primarily Spanish and I asked him to translate in secret for me. I can’t say what they said but we all had a few laughs: we were BECOMING friends. Years wore on, we worked hard and occasionally took time in
mutual enjoyment of golf. Roberto, Magaldi and me were a motley crew. I capitalized BECOMING friends because as we both walked towards retirement something didn’t change, we continued to stay in contact as friends. I knew i was a friend when we both started to share our friendship with other members of our family, where we could share in a home cooked meal. I am honored to call him a friend and to have met Jezelle and Roberto Jr.
Family Time
These are the words of our loving departed cousin Ernesto King at our first family reunion in Atlanta Georgia.
“I greet each one of you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. United in faith we must grow together, to love and serve each other. Let’s create a culture of respect and dignity toward one another as we move forward as a family. Amen”
RIP My loving cousin
Carlos Wedderburn
I met Roberto @ Signature Bank. He was apart of our ARP/Cash Mgmt team designing & programming applications among other things.
In the day, Signature employees developed relationships like family. Bert rubbed elbows with everyone, from the top of the flow chart to the bottom of the chart. He spread the love to us all.
Those were the good old days, we attended Company Holiday Parties, Broadway Shows & Departmental Dinners. Our group was dubbed “The Usual Suspects”
I loved Bert for his sound advice, the man was not only wise he was also kind & could keep a secret. He helped me through a very tough time as a first time Grandma. Whenever, I get into my feelings regarding my now grand babies I can still hear Bert in my head
“You are not in control”
Love you Roberto, rest in peace. You will be truly missed.
May God cover your family during this difficult time.
Alicia Williams
Great man. Shared work and lunch for 16 years. Gave me trendous insights about life and family. He was kind to all. Made the world better for those who was a friend.
I had the pleasure of meeting Roberto at Signature Bank. Roberto consistently demonstrated professionalism and such a gentleman. I am truly happy I got the opportunity to work with him. He will be missed dearly. Faye
Dear friends, family, and loved ones of Roberto E King, my name is Dennis Brown, and I am privileged to reflect upon the remarkable life of my dear friend, Roberto. For 45 years, Roberto has been a central figure in my life, and it is an honor to celebrate his memory with you all.
Roberto was a devoted soul, a helpful neighbor, and above all, a stalwart friend. Through life’s countless curves, he faced adversity with a grace that inspired us all. A testament to his resilience was how he raised his children single-handedly after the tragic passing of his beloved Gloria. Not only that, but Roberto also showed immeasurable strength and compassion by caring for his ill mother-in-law and later his own mother, all while maintaining a demanding full-time job. It’s a rare achievement to embody such selflessness, and yet Roberto made it appear effortlessly natural.
I recall a time, during my own period of need, when I found myself hospitalized and struggling. It was Roberto who stepped in to provide not only comfort to my wife but wise counsel during an otherwise trying time in our lives. His unwavering support and empathy were, and always will be, deeply appreciated.
What I’ll miss most about Roberto is his overflowing energy and unyielding positive attitude. His total love respect and devotion to Jezelle will leave a lasting impression on me. Although he never suffered fools, not once did he utter a negative word about others, and he had a unique ability to uplift those around him with his optimism. Through his actions and words, he left a lasting impact on everyone he encountered.
In honoring Roberto, let us remember him as a figure of steadfast devotion and boundless kindness. As a devoted Christian, his faith played a guiding role in his life, and I believe he would want us to find solace in that.
Let me close with this reflection of gratitude: “Thank you, Roberto, for the light you brought into our lives. Though we must part with you today, your legacy of love and kindness will endure in our hearts. Amen.”
My condolences to the families and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory.🙏🙏🙏
Roberto you were so loved by everyone who came in contact with you. You were a caring, genuine and loving person. You will be missed dearly. Your memories will live on
in our hearts. May your soul rest in eternal peace and rise in Glory.
In loving memory, Sandra
Sandra laws &family
I worked with Bert for 10 years, and he was the most gentle and respectful man. He was always encouraging, almost like a father figure. Bert, you will be greatly missed, but your memories will live on forever. Thank you for being a remarkable person on this earth. Until we meet again, I am praying for your loved ones. Love Erica Ojada
My memory of Ernesto was his love for Panama and for his family his brothers in particular he took care of them all the way to the grave he thought that was his obligation his and his alone much love and respect rest in peace my cousin love Neville and Bibs
Uncle Ernesto was a wonderful man. He always made me laugh with his undying love for anything related to Panama 😂. I would love to go to his BBQ’s in Long Island and spend time around him and the family. I am grateful to have known him and to be his cousin. Love you all.
Going to miss you tio ❤️