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Roberts was born Sept. 7, 1936, in Salina, Kan. He entered the University of Kansas as an engineering major but graduated with a bachelor's degree in music education. After completing his master's in music education, he spent 33 years as professor of music at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, where he also conducted the SHU Chamber Orchestra and the SHU Chamber Choir, as well as numerous smaller ensembles.
When he retired from SHU in 1999, he was the first faculty member to receive a doctor of humane letters, honoris causa, and also was named professor emeritus.
Roberts is survived by his children, Lynne of New York City, Kenneth of Arlington, Va., and Lisa, of San Antonio; seven grandchildren; wife, Peggy; and sister, Linda, of Jacksonville, N.C. He was predeceased by his first wife, Monica Barcas Roberts; sister, Diana; and son, Jeffrey.
A memorial service for Leland will be held next month at Sacred Heart University.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the San Antonio Symphony, www.sasymphony.org, or the Rails to Trails Conservancy, www.railstotrails.org.
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