Michael A. Roberts

Michael A. Roberts, age 72, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 14th, 2026. Born on January 23rd, 1954, in Covington, KY, he was a graduate of St. Augustine Catholic School, Covington Catholic High School, and Northern Kentucky University. In 1990 he was a proud inductee to the Kentucky Colonels.

Mike loved living in Northern Kentucky and had fond memories and great stories of growing up in Covington and Ft. Mitchell. He would frequently say that he didn’t need to travel because he had everything he needed right here at home. But in his life, he was fortunate to go on grand adventures all over the world, beginning with a backpacking trip to Europe right out of college. Typical Mike, he kept a meticulous log of his daily expenses along with the memories of that trip. He was fortunate to have had so many diverse experiences with so many of his favorite people and he brought home incredible memories from his travels.

In his spare time, he enjoyed the local sports teams both recreational and professional. He was a life-long Herb and Thelma’s Raider. As a proud alumnus, he could be found at the CCH games on Friday nights, even traveling to support the brothers at away games and state championships. With family and friends, he attended multiple opening days and regular season Reds games and held Bengals season tickets for many years. There was never a year when it wasn’t mentioned that Mike had been in the crowd at the Freezer Bowl and that he attended the Super Bowl in Miami in 1989 to watch the Bengals play. After many disappointing years, the Joe Burrow era had Mike feeling optimistic at the start of each season as he was sure Joe B would finally lead us to that illustrious Super Bowl win – he was so excited to see them return to the Super Bowl in 2021 despite the disappointing outcome.

He was a man of routine, particularly when it came to his favorite local establishments. He frequently suggested meals at Dixie Chili, burgers at Herb and Thelma’s, chinese at the Blue Gibbon and the occasional splurge on the fried chicken at Greyhound Tavern. He would never say no to a soft serve cone or Graeter’s treat and especially loved the Graeter’s peach ice cream in the summertime (which he may or may not have saved the last bite of for whichever dog was sitting at his feet). But more than anything, Mike looked forward to, and cherished, the weekly Sunday family dinners at home and Monday night dinner dates out with his daughters.

From an early age, Mike demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit, even being voted Most Likely to Succeed in Business in high school. Starting with paper routes as a little boy, flipping cars and eventually working his way up to landlord, he was ever the businessman. In 1986, Mike purchased Wayne Sales, Inc. and brought American Bus and Accessories, Inc. to life. He was widely regarded as a pioneer in the bus industry. However, Mike was the first to acknowledge that none of this success would have been possible without the dedication, loyalty, and hard work of his incredible team. He valued the people who stood beside him and believed that their commitment and shared vision were the true foundation of the company’s achievements. He was so proud to work with his daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Nick Hart, who will now continue his legacy as the second-generation owners of the family business. Later in his career, he went on to become a partner in multiple International Dealerships throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Mike worked hard his entire life to take care of his family and was a kind, genuine, and generous man who was never looking for recognition while helping people. He presented a serious exterior until you got to know him, but once you cracked the surface had a personality and sense of humor that shined. He was a closet pet lover, avid card player, great putt-putter, and a Sunday Sam’s Club sample taster. He loved the old westerns and oldies music, and could never quite understand why his family couldn’t appreciate the musical stylings of Bob Dylan. Known affectionately throughout the years as Riko, Psycho, Psych, Mr. Happy, Bud, Buddy, Mikey-o and Our Fearless Leader; He loved his friends and family fiercely and was the champion supporter of his three daughters. No matter what all his girls threw his way, he met it calmly, offering comfort and reassurance. He was truly the rock of the family that everyone could depend on, and a force that will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sylvia Roberts (nee Binninger); daughters, Katie Roberts, Amy (Nick) Hart, and Mary Roberts; and a granddaughter, child of Katie, expected soon. He was preceded in death by his brother, R. Thomas Roberts, and his parents, Rose Marie Roberts (nee Brown) and Russell Gene Roberts.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 28th, from 10:00am-1:00pm at St. Agnes Church, 1680 Dixie Hwy, Ft. Wright, KY 41011. Mass of Christian burial will take place following the visitation at 1:00pm at St. Agnes Church. A reception will follow mass at the Villa Hills Civic club on Rogers Rd. Interment will take place privately. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested that memorial donations be made to either the St. Elizabeth Nourish Food Pantry Fund at the St. Elizabeth Cancer Center and/or Covington Catholic High School.