Richard Roberts, 85, of Selma, NC passed away peacefully on December 18, 2013.
Born in Rome, NY on August 15, 1928, Richard attended St. Aloysius Academy. He married Barbara Ann Williams on June 27, 1953; a loving union that lasted until Barbara’s passing on December 9, 2004.
Richard worked in the accounting department at Rome Manufacturing, a division of Revere Copper and Brass, until his retirement in 1982.
Upon retiring, Richard and Barbara spent many years traveling to visit friends and family.
During the 1970s and ‘80s, the Roberts family owned and operated Roberts’ Four Season Cottages and Appleton Garage. While living in Old Forge, Richard was active in the Old Forge Fire Department serving on its Board of Commissioners, and he was a member of the Covey Pashley Post #893 of the American Legion.
He was also an active member of St. Bartholomew Roman Catholic Church, serving as Eucharistic Minister and as a Religious Education teacher.
Richard will be remembered for his love of children and for his volunteer work. He spent many hours handing out food at the Food Bank, driving veterans to the VA, and delivering Meals on Wheels.
He will also be remembered for his many performances on the local stage. Community Theater was a passion for Richard, and he truly enjoyed performing for a live audience.
Richard leaves his children Cynthia Johnson, Peter (Kathy), Paul (Denise), Daniel (Lisa), Nancy (Robert) Stevens, Susan Knop, Carol Harper, Judy (Fred) Ehrensbeck, and Stephen.
He also leaves his beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Also surviving Richard are his brothers John (Natalie), William (Elaine), James (Laura) and several nieces and nephews.
In addition, Richard leaves many friends, most especially Miss Betty Dunn who had been his constant companion and caregiver for the past several years.
Besides his wife Barbara, Richard was predeceased by his parents, his sister Mary Hoskins, his brother Greg, and a sister-in-law Betty Palmer.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Richard’s name to a charity of choice.
