William G. Roberts, 86
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. - William Gerald Roberts, 86, of 35 Chesbro Ave. died Saturday, April 28, 2012, at his home.
Born in North Adams on Oct. 24, 1925, son of Joseph and Mary O'Neil Roberts, he attended North Adams schools and graduated from the former St. Joseph's High School in 1943.
A Navy veteran of World War II, he served in the Pacific theater as a pharmacist's mate, third class, from Oct. 21, 1943, until his honorable discharge on May 26, 1946.
Mr. Roberts was a dedicated firefighter for the city of North Adams for more than 30 years. He loved every minute of his work, even postponing his retirement for a year, when his son, Michael Roberts, joined him in the department. For most of his career, he was proud to be the driver and operator of Pump 1.
He was a communicant of the former St. Francis of Assisi Church and was a member of North Adams Elks 487; Frank R. Stiles Post 125 American Legion; and Dr. George L. Curran Post 996 VFW.
He enjoyed yard work and walking. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren.
He and his wife, the former Mary J. Conrad, were married on Sept. 7, 1946, in St. Francis of Assisi Church.
Besides his wife, and his son Michael and his wife, Patricia, of North Adams, he leaves two daughters, Christine Kline of North Adams and Susanne Roberts LaBonte of Adams; four sisters, four sisters, Mildred Manson and Marcel Remillard, both of North Adams, Helen Richard of Hereford, Ariz., and Mary Fierro of Tucson, Ariz.; four grandchildren, Shane Roberts, Tyler Roberts, Sarah Kline and Kaitlyn Kline; five great-grandchildren, Matthew, Emily, Lillian, Christopher and Collin, and nieces and nephews.
His grandson Jeffrey Mach, sons-in-law Michael Kline and Robert LaBonte, and his brothers Joseph Roberts and Ernest Roberts predeceased him.
FUNERAL NOTICE - The funeral for Mr. Roberts will be Wednesday, May 2, at 11 a.m. at Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams. Burial will be private.
Calling hours will be Wednesday morning from 9:30 to 11 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Our Lady of Charity, St. Vincent de Paul Society local conference or the charity of the donor's choice in care of the funeral home.