Richard W. Roberts

1932 - 2013

PITTSFIELD - Mr. Richard W. Roberts, age 81, of 37 Elmview Terrace, died Thursday night at the Baystate Medical Center in Springfield surrounded by his family after a long illness.
He was born in Pittsfield, May 9, 1932, the son of the late Paul and Alice Barscz Roberts. He was educated in the local schools and was a 1951 graduate of St. Joseph's High School. A Union Carpenter all of his working life, he began his career with his father's company, Paul Roberts & Sons Contractors. He later became employed with many of the area contractors including Robert O'Brien Contracting, retiring in 1997.
A communicant of St. Charles Church, he was a Army Korean War era vete an. Mr. Roberts loved to entertain and feed his family and friends at the many gatherings at his home.
A fan of both the New York Yankees and the N.Y. Giants Football team, and watching golf. Mr. Roberts enjoyed raising and caring for his beloved shih-tzu dog, "Ashley."
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, the former Cecelia A. Sickell, whom he married January 21, 1957 in Sacred Heart Church.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, William R. and his wife, Jo-Ann Roberts of Williston, Vt.; his two daughters, Deborah A. Thebeau and her fiancé Lance Beauchamp, of Pittsfield, and Catherine M. and her husband, David Garofoli of Williamson, N.Y.; his sister, Mrs. Patricia Monti of Pittsfield; and his grandchildren, Ryan J. Thebeau, Caitlin and Shawn Garofoli, Stephanie and Melissa Brogle.
He was predeceased by his brother, Paul Roberts; and his brother-in-law, Art Monti.
FUNERAL NOTICE: Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning at 9:15 a.m. from the DEVANNY-CONDRON FUNERAL HOME followed with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Charles Church with the Rev. Peter A. Gregory, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home will be Monday from 4 to 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, if friends desire, memorial donations may be made to the Berkshire Humane Society in care of the funeral home.
The Family is most grateful to and would like to thank, Dr. St. John, Dr. Grenoble, and Dr. Hirko; as well as the staff and pharmacists at the Stop & Shop and Flynn's Pharmacies.