FALL RIVER – James T. Roberts Sr., age 99 of Fall River, passed away Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017 with his beloved family by his side.
Son of the late Charles H. & Mary G. (McNally) Roberts and the beloved husband of the late Rita A. (Hanson) Roberts of 50 years. He was a lifelong resident of Fall River and summered in Little Compton, RI for over 80 years.
Those who knew him in passing from Round Meadows Campground in Little Compton, RI, where he served as Owner & Manager for 20 years, knew him as “Papa,” and grew to expect his bright Irish smile as they passed by the front porch of his summer cottage.
James graduated from B.M.C. Durfee High School in 1936 and played baseball for Sacred Heart & Intermediate Football for the Shamrocks. A US Navy Veteran of WWII. He was initiated to wear the American European-Pacific Ribbon with one Star for the invasion of Southern France.
Active politically, he was the Chairman of the Fall River Police Commission under both the Nicholas W. Mitchell & Carlton M. Viveiros Administrations, Chairman of the Licensing Board under the Viveiros Admin. & a member of the Fire Commission under the John R. Mitchell Admin. Prior to retiring in 1977, James worked for Atlantic Richfield Co. (ARCO) as an Instructor & Salesman in the New Bedford & Cape area for 30 yrs.
He was a lifelong member of the former Sacred Heart Church, lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus Council 3669, Swansea, lifelong member and former Exalter Ruler & Trustee of the F.R. Elks Lodge.
Survivors include his daughter Judith A. Martin (late Daniel M.) of Little Compton, RI; Two sons, James T. Roberts Jr. and Thomas C. Roberts (wife Joan) of Fall River, MA. Eight grandchildren: Lori Granger, Sean, Brian, Daniel, and Patrick Martin all of Little Compton RI; Kelley Almeida, Katie Lyn & Thomas J. Roberts of Fall River, MA. Five great grandchildren: Ryan, Kyle, Caitlin, Matthew & Aidan and his extended family of Sally T. Friedlander (Mother in law of Thomas C.), her children and grandchildren.
His funeral will take place from the Manuel Rogers & Sons Funeral Home, Inc. 1521 N. Main St. Fall River on Tuesday at 10:00 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Holy Name Church at 11:00 A.M. Interment in St. Patrick’s Cemetery. Calling hours Monday 4-8 P.M.