LOWELL—Ret. Lt. Col. Philip Dower Roberts, 48 years old, died Tuesday September 27th, at this home after an inspiring 2 ½ year battle with leukemia. He was the beloved husband of Karen (Murphy) Roberts, who survives him.
He was born in Norwalk, CT, on December 10, 1956, a son of Philip H. and Cecelia (Dabkowski) Roberts, of Forestville, CT. He was raised in Forestville, CT and lived in the Pawtucketville section of Lowell for the past 10 years.
Mr. Roberts was commissioned a U.S. Air Force officer upon his graduation from St. Michael’s College, in Vermont. He served in the Air Force for over 20 years retiring in 2001 after a distinguished career. He was a marathon runner and completed the inaugural Air Force Marathon as well as four other Air Force marathons and two Boston Marathons.
Surviving him besides his wife and parents are his wife's two sons and a daughter-in-law: James Murphy, of Dayton, OH; and Matt and Robin Murphy, of Indianapolis, IN; four grandchildren: Sarah, Ashley, Connor, and Brady Philip; his mother-in-law: Rhoda Mitchell, of Concord, NH; a brother: Noel E. Roberts, and his wife Rosemarie, son Matthew, her four children and eight grandchildren, of Morrisville, NC; a sister: Ann Marie Wellman, and her husband Scott, and sons Noel and Todd, of Merrimack, NH; also numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by an infant brother, Noel Roberts.
Phil’s caring and loving ways will be missed by all his friends and family.
Friends may call from 2 until 5 PM on Sunday October 2nd, at the MAHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 187 Nesmith Street, (Rte. 38), Lowell. His Funeral Mass to be offered Monday October 3rd, at 10 AM at the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH. Burial in the VA National Cemetery, Bourne, MA, at 2 PM Monday. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Cancer Center at Lowell General Hospital; 295 Varnum Avenue; Lowell, MA 01854.