Melvin B. "Mel" Roberts, 87, of East Otis, Massachusetts went home to the Lord on July 10, 2013 after a brief illness. He was born in West Virginia, a son of the late Charles and Annie (Wright) Roberts. He was a World War II Army Veteran, faithfully serving his country from 1944-1946. He served in the 3rd armored Division under General George Patton. Mel moved to Connecticut in 1960 where he resided with his beloved wife of nearly 63 years, Anne, until 1997 when they moved to Otis, MA. Prior to his retirement, he was a research and development technician for Ensign-Bickford Industries in Simsbury, CT for 26 years. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #10732 in Berlin, CT. an active member of the Otis COA, an avid bowler with the Simsbury Senior Bowling League and enjoyed traveling with his wife. He was a loving husband, father and grampy. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Mark E. Roberts and his wife Barbara of Elkton, VA; his daughter Margaret A. “Peggy” Harner and her husband Charles of East Otis, MA; his 8 grandchildren: Lee E. Roberts and wife Kelli of Elkton, VA, Heather R. Roberts of Shenandoah, VA, Rebecca Anne Roberts Comer of Elkton, VA, Laura L. Harner Martin and her husband Tony of Sheffield, MA, and Charles W. Harner and wife Kimberly of Timberville, VA; his 6 great-grandchildren, plus sister Genola Roberts and numerous nieces and nephews, in his home state of West Virginia. Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by 7 brothers: Sewell Milton, William Edgar, Floyd Madison, George Nathan, Victor Allen, Charles Henry, and Carl Leo Roberts; and 2 sisters: Carrie Roberts Armel and Grace Roberts Lewis. At Mel’s request there will be no viewing or funeral service. Graveside services will be held on September 28, 2013 at 11:30AM in Hockanum Cemetery in East Hartford, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in his memory to Special Olympics Massachusetts-Berkshires, 898 Prospect Street, Chicopee, MA 01020 or the American Red Cross. Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Avenue, East Hartford has been entrusted with his arrangements.
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