GLOUCESTER: Maurice F. “Moe” Roberts, 87, husband of the late Evelyn E. (Jacobs) Roberts.
A man who, up until his passing, was so full of life and held such a great appreciation for all that life had to offer. Surrounded by love, he succumbed to physical ailments at home while in company of his children, grandchildren, and of course, his closest 24-hour companion, his dog Jamie.
Maurice was born on August 21, 1922 on the Alfalfa Farm in Topsfield, MA. He was the son of the late Bertram Melville Roberts of Gloucester and Annetta Lindroth of Germany. Maurice was one of eleven children.
Founder of M. F. Roberts Co., Construction Company and Chain Saw Shop, Maurice has touched the lives of many in Gloucester and the surrounding communities. A business man who persevered on hard work, honesty and an unquenchable desire to do the best at everything he put his mind to, he gained many lasting friendships with people whose paths he would cross. People whose property he may have worked on or whose chain saw he may have sold to or repaired, would tend to contact him again and again when more work needed to be done. One of his most memorable quotes was “Be happy in your work”.
Being born into a family where his father was a farmer and his mother busy raising eleven children, Maurice learned the lessons of hard work and the ability to make do with very little and was always busy inventing things. He prides himself on having made a hydraulic driven log splitter, long before they were ever available for purchase. Farming, selling fire wood, trapping, clamming and serving as clam warden were some of his earlier trades. His chickens earned him his first blue ribbon at the Topsfield Fair in 1947 and his hand made miniature log cabin earned him his last blue ribbon in 2002. Outside of work, his ever busy hands would be building tables, bird houses, furniture and odds and ends in his woodworking shop, running his train set and working his garden. Having never retired, he was far more rewarded by keeping busy working on something.
He had a special place in his heart for some of his dearest friends and relatives; Gene Roberts, Roy and his brother “Bub” Garland, Munroe Roberts, Amos White, Gene and Debbie Marshall, Rob Whitten, Kim Bartlett and Mac Bell. His travels with his sisters-in-law, Carol and her husband Donald Lane, Margie and her husband George Rotondi, and his children were special times for Maurice.
The many conversations, stories and common bonds that he shared with so many people will always be admired and lovingly remembered by his children. Being raised by Maurice and Evelyn will forever be a treasured honor – filled with happy times and strong ties, ones that their children (and grandchildren) will never forget.
Maurice was a veteran of World War II, a Past Master of the Acacia Lodge, a Lieutenant in the Gloucester Auxiliary Police, and served as a member on the Gloucester Shellfish Advisory Commission. He was also an avid golfer.
He is survived by his children, Larry – husband of Pamela (Selig) of Oldsmar, Florida, Sheila – wife of Vincent P. Orlando of Gloucester, Randy – companion of Terry Shea of Chocorua, New Hampshire, Wayne – husband of Melanie (Bernard) of Gloucester, Roy – husband of Cynthia (Parks) of Gloucester, and Tracey – wife of Michael Coppellotti of Douglas, MA, and his dog – Jamie. He is also survived by his fifteen grandchildren, Christle (Roberts) – wife of Purna Majahrian, Jamie Roberts – husband of Meagan, Ryan Orlando, Evan Orlando, Derek Roberts, Christopher Roberts – husband of Criadh (Morrison), Stephen Roberts – companion of Tasha Gabrielle, Mariah (Roberts) – wife of Jason Stone, Megan Roberts, Corey Roberts – husband of Christina (Amaral), Joshua, and Hayley Roberts, Tayler Smith, Anna and Sara Coppellotti. He also has eight great-grandchildren; Kiran and Tara Majahrian, Ethan, Keenan and Logan Roberts, Kaysha Roberts, Bryce Stone, and Katie Roberts and many nieces and nephews. Maurice was predeceased by his loving wife, Evelyn, his sisters Grace, Irene, Florence, Laura, and Norma, his brothers Evan, Lindroth, Stanley, Kilby and Bruce.
A very special thank you to his compassionate caregivers; his doting daughter Sheila, Betty Jacobs (whose care for both Evelyn and Maurice has spanned 10 years), Linda, Amy, Sandra, Julie and Megan. Thank you to Brenda King, Nancy Connolly and all of the staff of Hospice, Senior Care, and Meals on Wheels. Another special thanks to Dr. Shawn Pawson and Dr. Michael Arsenian.
Remembrance and celebration of Maurice will be held in two weeks, on Saturday, September 26th, in his Apple Orchard at 35 Fernald Street, Gloucester beginning at noon. A warm welcome is extended to all his family and friends to join us for reminiscent conversation and visiting. Donations, in memory of Maurice, may be made to the Cape Ann Animal Aid in Gloucester, or VNA / Hospice, 8 Angle Street, Gloucester.