ROBERTS, John P. aka “Jackie”, of Winthrop, son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, passed away on May 25, 2016 at the age of 77. He was the devoted father of Donna M. Roberts of Medford, Denise M. (Roberts) O’Connell of Winthrop and their mother Valerie E. (Allen) LeBlanc. Proud “Papa” of Sean O’Connell Jr. Shannon O’Connell and Shelagh O’Connell. Born in Winthrop, he was the cherished son of the late John and Dorothy (O’Leary) Roberts. Dear brother of Nancy Halbich and her husband Freddy of Burlington, Barbara Brownell and her husband George of AZ, George Roberts of Winthrop, William Roberts and his wife Jeannette of Salem, NH, Dorothy Roberts of Doris, CA, Paul Roberts and his wife Joyce of Denver, CO and the late Joanie Roberts-Maloney. He was loved by his Godchildren Erin (Roberts) Pontibrain and Matthew Roberts, his many nieces and nephews and his special friend “Magic”.
Jackie was young at heart and never seemed to age. People would say “you’re how old”? He barely had any gray hair even at the age of 77.
Jackie had a funny sense of humor. He was always making people laugh. Although he portrayed himself as “rough and tough” he had a sensitive side that was caring, compassionate and loving.
Family was important to him. He spent mostly every day with his daughter Denise and her children, whether it was watching a college game on TV or just hanging out. He also enjoyed spending time with his siblings – all the parties at the “Fun” house and the many weekends and parties at Billy and Jeanette’s.
Jackie and sports (they kind of go hand-and-hand). He never missed one of his daughter Donna’s games or his grandchildren’s games and practices. He also attended friends’ of his grandchildren’s games – even when his grandchildren didn’t attend!
Jackie’s biggest passion was Notre Dame. He never missed a game and always wore something that had Notre Dame on it. Years ago he was fortunate enough to meet Lou Holtz, have his picture taken with him and to see the Notre Dame campus. He was so excited.
Although Jackie’s passion may have been Notre Dame, his true love was for his daughters, Donna and Denise and his grandchildren, Sean Jr., Shannon and Shelagh. He was a proud Dad and Papa!
Jackie also loved doing so many things especially his “walks”. No matter what the weather was you would see him walking the beach. He also loved listening to music on his big speakers and playing softball.
Jackie loved life. Never taking anything for granted, he lived life to the fullest and on his terms. Never looking back he always lived for today!
Jackie has touched so many lives and he will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him. He was truly one of kind!
His Funeral will be from the Maurice W. Kirby Funeral Home 210 Winthrop St. Winthrop, on Thurs, June 2, at 9:00am, followed by a Funeral Mass in St. John the Evangelist Church-Winthrop at 10:00am. Relatives and friends are invited. Cremation to follow will be private. Visiting hours will be held in the funeral home on Weds, June 1, from 4-8pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to the Viking Pride Foundation Inc. P.O. Box 37, Winthrop, MA, 02152. Prior to his retirement, Jackie was employed as a Union Iron Worker for Local #7. He was a member of the Winthrop Yacht Club and a member of the Winthrop Lodge of Elks #1078. For guestbook, please visit www.mauricekirbyfh.com.
Go Irish!!!