10/09/2025
Harold Uralda Roberts, affectionately known as Harry, Robbie, or Skipper, was born in Kingston, Jamaica, on August 19th, 1933, alongside his twin brother Jack, to their parents Theodore Roberts and Susan Burke.
At age 13, Harold’s formal education was terminated early, as he was accused of “having a woman” because he bought a young lady a bar of soap as a gift. Thereafter, he was forced to seek work. He travelled from Kingston to Montego Bay to work as a construction laborer, it was then that he learned the masonry trade. He worked as a mason for several years. A few year later he learned the carpentry trade. Through talent and determination, he polished his carpentry skills and eventually became a foreman/job supervisor. He was an accomplished tradesman and worked on several multistory buildings (tax office, hospitals, hotels, police stations) all over the island of Jamaica.
In 1971, Harold started his own company, State Building and Construction. His small business started from the maid’s quarter of his residence and flourished to a successful construction company that secured many lucrative government contracts. After several failed robbery attempts of his payroll, he decided it was time to leave Jamaica. He never truly wanted to leave Jamaica.
In May 1978, Harold and his family migrated to Queens, NY. While in New York, he started doing home improvement work to support his family but didn’t really enjoy it as his passion was always in construction. During the winter of 1979, he was invited to visit Cape Coral by family friends. Upon returning to New York, Harold packed his tools and headed back to Florida where he started Harold Roberts General Carpentry and worked as a subcontractor.
In the Fall of 1981, the construction industry came to a halt due to high interest rates. During this time, Harold was recruited by another friend to build condos in Jamaica. As such, Harold returned to Jamaica, restarted his construction company, and completed the condo project. In 1983, Harold Roberts Construction in Cape Coral started. He focused primarily on residential construction in Cape Coral. He was well respected by building officials, tradesmen, suppliers, and his clients. He had a reputation for doing it the right way. He took pride in making sure that everyone was paid in a timely manner. Harold continued building houses until he retired in 2017, at age 84.
Harold has been a resident of Cape Coral for 46 years. Aside from promoting the beauty of Cape Coral, he was a vibrant member of the community. Harold was a founding member of the SWFL West Indian Association. He organized many annual events to promote West Indian culture. Harold organized many bus outings, cruises, and dances for the enjoyment of others.
Harold enjoyed traveling, exercising, and gathering with loved ones to play dominoes and cards. Harold always looked forward to his annual poker all-nighter around Thanksgiving weekend.
Harold was a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren; he never missed the opportunity to share stories, emphasize the importance of education, teach life lessons, and, of course, talk a lot of smack.
At age 92, Harold passed of natural causes on September 27th, 2025, at Cape Coral Hospital surrounded by family members. Harold lived a full and meaningful life; building more than just buildings, he built a legacy of resilience, love, laughter, and community.
Harold is survived by his sons: Hugh(Glodene) and John(Georgia); grandchildren: Adrianne, Rashaun, Kristen, Johnny, Julian, Alexia; great-grandson: John Christopher III; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many whose lives he helped shape. He will be missed by all.
Harold was preceded in death by his brother: Jack; parents: Theodore & Susan; wife: Nessa; daughter: Sharon.
