Eugene A. Roberts

Eugene A. Roberts, 96, of Essex, passed away Sunday morning, January 28, 2024 at Beverly Hospital. Eugene lived most of his life in West Gloucester, moving to Essex in recent years. He attended local schools and upon graduation from Gloucester High School in 1945 joined the Army' s Specialized Training Reserve Program at Norwich University. Upon completion of the program, he served 2 years in the 2nd Infantry Division Band, stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington. Upon discharge he joined the reserves and at the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950 was recalled to active duty. Immediately shipped to Korea, he served in combat with the 23rd RCT, 2nd Infantry Division, earning the Korean Service Medal with Bronze Star, Presidential Unit Citation, American Campaign Medal, United Nations Service Medal, WWII Victory Medal, and the rank of Sergeant First Class.
Returning to civilian life in 1951 Mr. Roberts went to work with his father in the construction business, building many homes in the Cape Ann area. In 1952 he married the late Priscilla Powers, built a home in West Gloucester and raised their four children. After his father's retirement and subsequent death, Mr. Roberts continued the business of E. F. Roberts & Son until the late 80's.
He was a 60-year member of the Tyrian Lodge A.F. & A. M. serving as its Master in 1963. He was a member of Amaral-Bailey Post #113 American Legion, the Korean War Veterans Association and the First Congregational Church of Essex. He served on several committees in the church and could be depended upon to do the patch up jobs around the building. In addition, he was a long time Blood Donor both here and in Florida.
In 1979, after the death of Priscilla, Mr. Roberts married Nancy Hempel Adams. They enjoyed doing building projects and spending several months in Florida each winter. Mr. Roberts always told people he was blessed with not one, but two, wonderful faithful wives with whom to share his life. He also enjoyed photography, yard work and golf.
Besides his wife, survivors are Mr. Roberts' four children; sons, Bruce Roberts and wife, Elaine of GA; Glenn Roberts and wife, Darlean of NH; daughters, Alison Chapman and husband, Kenneth of Gloucester and Holly Levie and husband, Edward of Gloucester; stepdaughters, Susan (Adams) Teahan and husband, Edward of Ipswich and Joyce (Adams) Johnson and her partner Paul of NH; his grandchildren, Nathaniel Levie and his wife Amanda, Benjamin Levie and his wife Brianna, Joshua Spinney, Timothy Spinney and his partner Erika, Ashley Roberts and her partner Kal, Alexa Levy and her husband Michael, Alice Hempel and Lisa Johnson and her partner Mark, and Brittany, Kyle, Christina and Kimberly Teahan; great grandchildren, Lily and Brooke Levie, Grayson and Noah Spinney, Oliver and Owen Levy and Riley Teahan; sisters-in-law, Nancy Powers of FL and Joan Enos and husband, Donald of Essex and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, F. Chester Roberts and his wife Lydia and brothers-in- law, Everett Powers and Donald E. Powers and wife Beverly.
His funeral service will be at First Congregational Church of Essex, 39 Main Street, Essex on Wednesday, February 7th at 10:00 am. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Burial will be at Beechbrook Cemetery, Gloucester. Visiting hours at the Campbell Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester on Saturday, February 3rd from 1 pm to 4 pm. A masonic service will be held during the visitation beginning at 3:30 pm. Contributions may be made in Eugene's memory to the First Congregational Church of Essex or to the charity of one's choice. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com