It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of an amazing, memorable man, Thomas Richard “Trucker” Roberts on December 9, 2022.
Tom was the devoted husband of Marisa (Cila) Roberts for 33 years. He was the loving, adoring father of Marina and her husband Peter Joseph of Hingham and the dedicated brother-in-law of Lori A. Cila of Malden/West Newbury.
He was the only son of Marilyn Ellis of Malden and brother to Deborah Roberts.
Tom’s family also included his uncles, aunts and cousins, Richard and Marion Phelan of California, Sally and Gene Fama of California, Janis Papa of Malden and Leslie Russo of Ayer.
Tom was predeceased by his father and mother-in-law Vincent and Annette Cila of Malden and his brother-in-law Trooper Vincent Cila, whom he treated with immense love, respect and dedication.
Tom grew up in Lynn and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1984. He was involved in Scouting for many years and continued to live the Scout code throughout his life, often being referred to by his wife Marisa as her “Boy Scout”. He began his career in public safety as a corrections officer in Essex County, but firefighting was his passion. Tom received his Associates Degree in Fire Science from North Shore Community College. He was then appointed to the Lynn Fire Department on February 2, 1998. On June 12, 1999, he transferred to the Malden Fire Department. Tom was promoted to lieutenant on January 8, 2006. He was assigned to Ladder Co. 3 at the West Side Fire Station where he faithfully served the community until his passing.
The Malden Fire Department benefitted from his work as both a fire department company officer as well as a longtime member the Malden Firefighter’s Union’s, Local 902 - IAFF, executive board. Tom was a well-respected fire service leader with an ability to mentor young members and train more senior members of the department in updated firefighting practices. His work with the union assisted the department with achieving improvements in overall working conditions, particularly where it related to firefighting safety equipment.
Always willing to donate time, Tom also served on three committees for the Malden Federal Credit Union. First, he began on the Supervisory Committee. Then he served on the salary committee. And finally, he headed the Asset and Liability Committee. During much of this time he was also a Director on the Board and recently served as its Vice President.
Cooking and entertaining brought Tom such joy, and many were the grateful recipients of his delicious concoctions. He was a crafted chef and grill master, proudly sharing his creations with family and friends. The firefighters loved when Trucker was in the kitchen knowing that a delicious meal would soon be served. He took pride in feeding not only a person’s appetite, but one’s soul too.
As a friend, nobody could ask for a better person. He was supportive, dependable and reliable to all who entered his enormous circle. One was fortunate if they had Tom’s friendship. He was always the first to arrive at a friend’s side when they were in need. He never shied away from any problem while never seeking accolades. The path that Tom laid, one based on kindness and truth, would provide a tremendous guide for anyone wishing to make the world a better place for family and friends. Trucker was the epitome of an honorable man and a positive role model to all.
Tom was a devoted family man; his world revolved around them. “TruckerandMarisa” (no spaces needed) also known as the twins, were a team in all aspects of their lives. They were a couple to be envied. Seeing them together brought joy to so many. Included in that wonderful family unit is their daughter Marina. Tom’s eyes would light with joy at the mere mention of her name. He spoke with such pride of his only daughter and was thrilled when she found her own love of her life in Peter. Trucker also took on the role of son to his in-laws with natural ease and belonging and was an immediate part of the family at the early age of 19. He was present for all the stages of their lives with selfless compassion.
All who knew Tom were blessed by his huge heart that gave so willingly. His beautiful smile and deep dimples brightened every room. People were filled with love just by being in his presence. He lived an honorable life, one worthy of everyone’s respect. There are no words that could ever explain this huge loss, and this void will never be filled. Trucker, you will forever be loved and missed.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Tom’s life will be celebrated in St. Joseph’s Church, 770 Salem Street Malden on Tuesday, December 20th at 10:00am. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held at the church on Monday, December 19th from 6:00-9:00pm. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. Arrangements from the A. J. Spadafora Funeral Home, Malden.
The family requests honoring Tom with donations to the Malden Firefighters' Benevolent Fund, 1 Sprague Street, Malden, MA 02148.