Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
William Roberts Obituary
Ashburn - Captain William Eugene Roberts, U.S. Navy (retired) died November 14. He was 81.
Bill grew up in Southern Maryland and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1952. As a Lieutenant (JG), he took command of a division of LCUs which spent a year in French Indo-China participating in "Passage to Freedom." Following this duty, Captain Roberts took command of the USS Fairview, and then went to the U.S. Naval Post-Graduate School, earning his masters degree in engineering electronics.
In 1963 Captain Roberts was selected by Admiral Hyman Rickover to join the nuclear submarine program. Following training, he qualified aboard the USS Plunger (SSN 179) in Hawaii, then became executive officer on USS Sam Rayburn (SSBN 635).
In 1968 he took command of USS Daniel Webster (SSBN 626) taking her on several patrols, into the yard for refueling, then through the Panama Canal to Guam, her new home port. After commanding USS Tecumseh (SSBN 628), Captain Roberts spent his final Navy years at the Pentagon serving on the Joint Staff.
Bill joined American Systems Corporation in 1978 as Special Assistant to the President, continuing his work in the nuclear submarine field.
He is survived by his wife, Jo, five sons: Terence, Steven, Kevin, Craig, and Keith, and seven grandchildren. He was a remarkable man and will be sorely missed. Services are private.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Roberts
2 Entries
Elizabeth Lincoln
November 22, 2011
So sorry to see this.I have fond memories of the Roberts family. Dad, Dewey, passed away on Memorial Day. Mom, Mariel, is still in Va Beach. Our deepest condolences to all of you. Elizabeth Lewis Lincoln
Robert Higginbotham
November 22, 2011
Bill Roberts was one of the finest men it has ever been my privilege to work for. He was a gentleman, a mentor, and a true class act. I regard my time working with him at ASC as instrumental to my own success as a manager and supervisor. He set the example of how to run a program while maintaining honor, integrity, and a keen sense of humor. My deepest condolences to all of his family and friends.
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in William Roberts's name
Memorial Events
for William Roberts
How to support William's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor William Roberts's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
