Donald Roberts Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donald R. Roberts, age 88, of Newington, CT, on Friday, January 31, 2025. Don was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and a man whose sense of humor and gentle smile lit up every room he entered. Born on February 26, 1936, in LaSalle, Illinois, Don moved to Thomaston, CT as a child. His family later settled in West Hartford, where Don attended Hall High School. A member of the Army National Guard, he graduated from UConn with a Bachelor of Science in Insurance Studies. He worked as a property and marine claims insurance adjustor with the Orion Group and Royal Alliance for most of his life. Don married his forever love, MaryJane, in 1963, and together, they built a beautiful family. As a father, he was supportive, encouraging, and always present for his children. His love and dedication to his family were unmatched, and his influence has shaped the lives of his children and grandchildren in ways words cannot fully express. Don loved to travel, go camping and cruise, his favorite destinations being the pink shores of Bermuda, The Outer Banks and Vermont. An avid sports fan, the UConn Huskies always held a special place in Don's heart, and he was often found proudly cheering on the men's and women's basketball teams as a longtime season ticket holder. Don also loved baseball and football; his affection for The Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots was equally strong. He was incredibly proud of his Irish heritage and loved celebrating St. Patrick's Day with his family. In retirement, he cherished his time with his beloved grandchildren and was ever-present at their sporting events and activities, supporting them and reveling their successes. His grandchildren were the joy of his life. A man of strong faith, Don found strength and comfort in his beliefs. His relationship with God was central to his life, and he was an active member of St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church. His faith was a guiding force, he was a long time volunteer at The House of Bread in Hartford, and his example will continue to inspire his family and friends. Don's legacy will live on through his wife, children, grandchildren, and the countless friends he touched with his kindness, generosity, and ever-present smile. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mabel and Russell Roberts, and his siblings, Richard Roberts, Mary Warwick, and Jean Cooper. He is survived by his loving wife, MaryJane, and his children Donald Roberts and his wife, Hanna (Westmoreland, NH); Mary Gray and her husband, Steve (Newington, CT); Michael Roberts and his husband, Arthur (Guilford, CT); Sarah Arbucci and her husband, Dave (Bethel, CT); his grandchildren Caitlin, Callie, Shannah, Riley, Colin, Finn, and Emma, and numerous other relatives and friends who loved him dearly. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, February 6th, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 7th at 10:00 a.m. directly at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church, 285 Church St. in Hartford. He will be laid to rest following the mass in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. To share a memory with his family, please visit us at www.duksa.net. Don's smile, humor, and faith will forever remain in our hearts. His memory will continue to bring comfort and joy to all who had the privilege of knowing him. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald, please visit our floral store.