June Ellen Roberts

June Ellen Roberts (McNamara), a lifelong resident of East Boston, passed away on August 18, 2025, at Massachusetts General Hospital. She was 89 years old.

Born on July 14, 1936, in Boston to the late Mary and Thomas McNamara, June was raised with a deep sense of family, faith, and community-values that guided her throughout her life. She was the devoted wife of the late John "Jackie" Roberts and a loving mother to Maria Roberto and her husband Louie, and the late John Roberts.

June was a proud and loving grandmother to Joseph Roberto and his wife Michelle, Alexandra Padovani and her husband Dante, Matthew Roberto and his wife Maria, Marc Roberto, and Justin Roberto. She was also a cherished great-grandmother-affectionately known as "Nee-Nee"-to Alana, Nadia, Louie, Joseph, Maria, Siena, Olivia, Santino, Alessandra, and Stefanos, all of whom brought her immeasurable joy.

A graduate of St. Rose High School, June went on to work for NYNEX, dedicating over 30 years to the company. Outside of her career, she found fulfillment in giving back to the community, especially through her volunteer work at Malden Catholic High School, where her son John was a student.

June was a true hero. While eight months pregnant with her son John, she courageously saved 12-year-old Charles Luongo from drowning at Heights Beach-a selfless act of bravery for which she was awarded the prestigious Carnegie Medal. It remained one of her proudest life honors.

An avid animal lover, June cared for countless pets over the years and shared a special bond with her beloved dog, Remy. She also found great joy in the everyday moments of family life, especially watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in their many activities and achievements. Whether it was a dance recital, baseball game, soccer match, or basketball tournament, June was their biggest fan.

June was truly blessed to witness the lives of 10 great-grandchildren unfold and spent her final years surrounded by the love of her family.

Family and friends will honor June's beautiful life by gathering at the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home in East Boston on Monday, August 25th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and again on Tuesday morning at 8:30 AM, before proceeding to St. Anthony's Church for a 10:00 AM Funeral Mass. Services will conclude with June being laid to rest alongside her beloved husband and cherished son at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett.

May they rest in eternal peace-together again.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Joslin Diabetes Center.