Roberts founded Comcast in 1963 with the purchase of a 1,200-subscriber cable system in Tupelo, MS. Comcast said in a statement:
"Ralph was a born entrepreneur, a visionary businessman, a philanthropist and a wonderful human being. 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. He will be truly missed. Ralph's greatest love was his family, and our deepest sympathies go to his wife Suzanne and the entire Roberts family."
Mark Dzuban, president and CEO of the SCTE, wrote: "Ralph Roberts had the foresight to recognize the potential of cable and the work ethic to bring his vision to life, but what truly set him apart were his integrity, his gentlemanly manner and the value he placed on giving back to the industry and the community. All of us are better off for having had Ralph in our midst. Our hearts are with those he loved so much: his family, his friends and of course his Comcast 'family .'"
NCTA President & CEO Michael Powell wrote: "NCTA is deeply saddened by the passing of Ralph Roberts, one of our country's greatest business pioneers and a man who truly embodied the American dream. He built much of the cable industry with his own hands, taking a small nascent service offering consumers greater television choices and building it into one of the most significant industries in the country today. Ralph's impact will live on forever."
"Ralph was a man of grace. He showed us that you can succeed, while remaining warm, kind and generous to others. His impact on the lives of friends, colleagues and family are his greatest legacy. Our prayers and deepest sympathies go to his wife Suzanne, son Brian and the entire Roberts family."