Kenneth C. Roberts Jr.

1937 - 2021

Kenneth C. Roberts, Jr., of Bennington, Vermont, the A. Barton Hepburn Professor of Music, Emeritus, at Williams College, died at Albany Medical Center on May 10, 2021. He was 83.

Professor Roberts was born on May 29, 1937 in Norristown, Pennsylvania as the only child of Elinor (Campbell) Roberts and Kenneth C. Roberts, Sr. Professor Roberts was a musician and music afficionado from early on, playing as the church organist during his high school years and travelling, often by himself, on the Pennsylvania Railroad to concerts in Philadelphia and New York City. After graduating from high school in Norristown, he enrolled at the University of Michigan where he earned a B.A., and M.A. and a Ph.D. In 1959, he married Anne (Young) Roberts, currently of South Burlington, Vermont. They divorced in 1990.

Before completing his studies, he began as a professor of music at Williams College in 1962. He spent his entire career at Williams, retiring in 2002. A specialist in European and American music history, he helped fill the college's music collection with books, scores and recordings. During his 40-year tenure, he shared his passion for music and world history with generations of Williams students, chaired the Music Department for some time, and was instrumental in the design and construction of Bernhard Music Center, the home of the Music Department since 1979. A gifted performer on piano and organ, he was a founding member of the Williams Trio and performed as an accompanist at many college events. He also led many Williams students and members of the Williamstown community as the founder and long-time director of the Williams Choral Society. As its leader, he took the Choral Society on tours in the eastern United States and parts of Europe and he brought to Williams the Service of Lessons and Carols, which became an annual Christmastime tradition for the college and the Williamstown community. He was also a frequent speaker at regional Williams College alumni association meetings across the country for pre-concert talks, particularly in his retirement.

His greatest tragedy was the death of his son, Kenneth C. Roberts, III as a toddler in 1969. After that heartbreak, he and Anne went on to have two boys, Kevin T. Roberts, currently of McKinney, Texas, and Keith A. Roberts, currently of Hinesburg, Vermont.

In 1992, he married Margaret (Ackerman) Roberts, to whom he was married until his death. After retirement in 2002, he and Marge traveled extensively in Europe where he was able to attend numerous concerts and operas and connect with his many friends in the artistic community, particularly in Berlin.

Professor Roberts was widely read and insatiably curious. He was jokingly known for interrogating his students, children and their friends about their school subjects and other interests. Bookshelves in his home filled every spare space with an extensive collection of sheet music, records, CDs and books on topics such as music, travel, and German history. "Grandpop" was known for regularly sending newspaper and magazine clippings to his grandchildren with short explanatory notes and questions for them to ponder.

He is survived by Margaret Roberts, his wife of 29 years, his son Kevin Roberts and his children Matthew and Elizabeth, and his son Keith Roberts, his wife Heather and their children Tom, Kate and Meg.

Ken's ashes will be buried in the Williams College Cemetery next to his son Craig. The family will hold a graveside service pursuant to his wishes at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make memorial donations to your favorite arts organization.