John H. "JR" Roberts

John H. “JR” Roberts, 79, passed away Tuesday August 13, 2024. He was born in Springfield on June 24, 1945, to the late Harvey and Mary (O’Donnell) Roberts. JR was a graduate of Cathedral High School and proudly served in the USMC during the Vietnam War and received the Presidential Unit Citation (w/ 1 Bronze Star), Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal (w/ 4 Bronze Stars) and the republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation. He was a member of the VFW Post 6714, the American Legion Post 124 and was a longtime member of the Dante Club. JR owned All Tank Services in West Springfield. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and loved all sports, especially hockey. JR was a hockey referee for high school, prep school, college and in the AHL. He had a dry sense of humor and enjoyed talking to people. And if you had a conversation with JR and didn’t quite know what he was saying, you weren’t alone. He leaves his daughter Terri-Ann Roberts and her companion Paul Cunningham of Enfield, CT., his son Kevin Roberts and his wife Debbie of Westfield, his five brothers; Terrence “Terry” and his wife Kathy of Ocala, FL., Harvey and his wife Lynn of E. Greenwich, RI., Christopher and his wife Mary of Torrington, CT., Daniel “Danny” of W. Spfld, and Barry and his wife Kathy of Westfield, along with several cousins, nieces, nephews, three grand nephews and one grandniece.  JR also leaves his longtime companion Joanne Burke of W. Spfld. Calling Hours will be held WED August 28th from 4 to 6:30PM, followed by a Prayer Service beginning at 6:30 at the CURRAN-JONES FUNERAL HOME, 109 MAIN ST., W. SPFLD. Thursday there will be a Calling Hour from 10 to 11 AM. Burial with Military Honors will follow at 11:30 AM in St. Thomas Cemetery, Kings Highway, W. Spfld. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in JR’s memory to WSHS Hockey Booster Club, c/o Tracy Cashman, 1030 Piper Road, West Spfld, MA 01089