David "Rabbit" Roberts

David Roberts of Needham passed away on January 29, 2026, after a short illness.

David was born on June 22, 1938, in Milo, Maine, to Rozilla (Morton) and Lewis P. Roberts. He grew up in Dover-Foxcroft, ME, and graduated from Foxcroft Academy in 1956. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Maine in 1960, where he was a brother of Theta Chi Fraternity. A loyal Black Bear fan, he followed Maine athletics closely and returned to campus often-usually with a stop at Pat's Pizza.

After graduation, he served as an Artillery Officer in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1968. David spent most of his career with the Dunlap Agency in Bangor as an insurance agent and associate manager, building lasting relationships with his colleagues and many Maine businesses.

In 1971, he married his loving wife, Mary Lou (Gigliuto). Together they raised three children in Hampden, Maine. A devoted family man and incredible dad and grandfather; he treasured moments with friends, and time at the family camp on Sebec Lake.

David loved competition and was passionate about sports, rarely passing up a game. In high school he was nicknamed "Rabbit" for his quickness on the basketball court. He remained a competitor his entire life and was a regular on the tennis courts playing into his 80's. He never missed (and we mean never) a sporting event his kids played in and could often be found pacing the sidelines trying to keep the referees honest.

Coaching was a constant passion in his life. He coached countless youth sports teams positively impacting the lives of many kids. In retirement he coached the boys' and girls' tennis teams at Orono High School for 10+ years.

He had a quick wit and a mischievous sense of humor that kept those around him laughing. He savored a good Johnny Cash song, a boat ride on the lake, and was always ready for an adventure.

David was predeceased by his loving wife, Mary Lou Roberts, and his parents, Lewis and Rozilla Roberts. He will be greatly missed by his children, Melissa Boucher and her husband, Jesse, of Newton, MA; Linda Snow and her husband, Gary, of South Burlington, VT; and Michael Roberts and his wife, Elizabeth, of Newton, MA; his grandchildren, Samantha and Sydney Boucher, Abby and Aidan Snow, and Grace and Henry Roberts; his sister-in-law, Linda Kreimeyer; and his nephew, Matthew Kreimeyer.

A celebration of David's life will be held this summer at Sebec Lake.

In his memory, enjoy an extra dessert (or two), cheer a little louder at the next game, support a local youth sports organization, or the American Parkinson Disease Association.