Edward Pierce "Robo" Roberts Jr

It is with great sorrow that we announce the death of Edward Pierce Roberts, Jr., who left this world on September 20, 2023, in Tampa, Florida. He was 81 years old. Known at times as Ned, Rob, Robby - even Harry - Robo, as he was most widely known, was born on July 18, 1942, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the eldest child of Edward P. Roberts and Alice Jaques Roberts.

Robo was raised by his mother until he was 3 years old, when his father returned from World War II. The young family then moved to Hardwick, a rural town in central Massachusetts. Despite a sour Black Angus bull, named Oscar, Robo's life-long love of animals and nature was born in Hardwick. He successfully competed in 4H contests and learned to hunt. Hunting would become a constant in his life, spending countless Fall weekends working upland game covers throughout New England and New Brunswick with his father, brother and a close-knit circle of friends and their dogs.

At age 15 Robo's family moved to Wenham on the North Shore of Boston. He graduated from Noble and Greenough School and Trinity College, where he resurrected and captained the crew team.

After serving in the United States Army Reserve, Robo worked in advertising, before his career as a commercial real estate broker. Always focused on what he could do for others, he led boards of the Student Conservation Association and the North Shore YMCA. At Trinity Church in Boston, the Restoration Project Committee benefited from his service during a four-year-long period. He later joined St. Paul's Church in Dedham, MA., where he served on the Vestry and was a vigorous tower bell ringer.

Robo was an exceptionally dedicated father and husband. Over the course of his life, he played an integral role in helping to raise three stepsons and his son, Ned. His hallmark as a father, and later as a grandfather, was simply always being there. Even as his sons moved out of the Boston area, he made an indelible point of frequently being present wherever they were. In 2001, he married the love of his life, Susie, endearing her with kindness and laughter. Over the next two decades together they enjoyed an active social life, charitable and cultural pursuits, travel, and countless rounds of golf. Together, they brought others immense happiness through duets they performed at their wedding and special occasions. For Susie, Robo was her closest confidant and best friend.

He loved classical music, and maps. With symphonies as the soundtrack, and gazetteer map books scattered about his car, Robo reveled in adventures along alternate routes and back roads. A man of many talents, he entertained family and friends by playing the piano, singing and storytelling; especially as an India Wharf Rat, where he recently served as Skipper. He even acted on occasion, at the Tavern Club. But it was Robo's uniquely wry humor, enthusiasm and generosity of spirit, which brought everyone the most joy. At times, his dry and well-timed wit could put newcomers on their heels; but those who came to know him were regularly delighted by his sense of humor. It endured to the very end, even as he battled Multiple Myeloma and fall-related injuries.

As the great-grandson, grandson and nephew of USGA presidents, golf was central to Robo's identity. He won the 1982 Squirrels Tournament at The Country Club in Brookline, MA., frequently competed in TCC's annual Royal Montreal Matches, and played an important role in the club's tree removal program, which, in conjunction with preparations for last year's United States Open, lead to a revitalization of the course. He lived the latter years of his life in a home beside the twelfth fairway of the golf course at Mountain Lake in Lake Wales, FL. While his own game did not always lead him to victory, Robo was a champion of the best traditions of the game itself.

Photography, however, was his passion. As anyone whose personal space he amicably invaded knows, he excelled at portraiture, but also had a sharp eye for landscapes.

Affectionately known for "Roboing," he occasionally spent inordinate time on the seemingly mundane. Yet, this trait was far more emblematic of the unyielding time, kindness and love he showed to family, friends and countless other people throughout his life.

Robo is survived by his wife Susie McIntosh; son Ned and daughter-in-law Michelle; stepson Forgan McIntosh and his wife Jessa; as well as stepsons Henry and Nelson Schniewind; his brother Joe; sisters Alice Dietrich and Polly Roberts; and his and Susie's five grandchildren, Finley, Sayer, Georgia, Harper and Forrest who will forever cherish the happiness and laughter they shared.

A memorial service to celebrate Robo's life is planned for December 9, 2023 at 11:00am at St. Paul's Church in Dedham. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Robo's memory to the Student Conservation Association at thesca.org.