Thomas Roberts

Thomas Roberts
Thomas "Rooney" Earl Roberts, 69, of Meriden, CT, passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, after a brief illness. He was surrounded by his loving family. Thomas was born in Meriden on May 17, 1954, and resided there, as well as Alstead, New Hampshire, during his lifetime. He was a graduate of Orville H. Platt High School.
Rooney spent his life as a musician. Being the youngest of five, he learned early how to command an audience and was the front man of the bands County Line and The Gonkus Brothers. He spent decades playing music alongside his greatest friends. His truest joy was vacationing at Hampton Beach, New Hampshire with his family. Stationed at "the Perch", he would spend long days and nights looking out at the ocean and providing history, insight, and directions to everyone who passed by. He lived life on his terms, celebrated his children's achievements, believed in adventure and civic duty, and was not short of an opinion about things that mattered to him.
He was a loving father, loyal friend, dynamic musician, and a great storyteller. He connected deeply with people and had a significant impact on everyone who called him friend, brother, father, coach, and Dad. He loved, and was loved by, so many people who will carry with them the lessons and wisdom he imparted along the way. He will be deeply missed.
Rooney is survived by his daughter Kathleen and her husband Cathal Burke, his two sons, Matthew Roberts and his wife Kathryn, and Timothy Roberts and his wife Amy; three grandsons, Benjamin, William, and Leo; two sisters, Kathleen Celentano and her husband Robert, and Maureen Mottola; two brothers, Doyle Roberts and his wife Donna, and William Roberts and his wife Eileen. He also leaves behind a gang of nieces and nephews, all who lovingly referred to him as "Uncle Roon." Rooney is predeceased by William and Kathleen Roberts.
Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Saturday, March 23, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at The John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main Street, Meriden, CT 06450. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be made to The Meriden Humane Society, 311 Murdock Ave., Meriden, CT 06450.For online condolences, please visit jferryfh.com.