John F. Roberts

UNIFIED BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT Photo:

05Sports Desk2005Cougars edge2105Fuller tennis2105Dirigo g tennis20By05Players of Game20By05Cougar mercy win2005Turbide courts2105Falcon g lacrosse21075Cal Rip shots21

WATERFORD — John F. Roberts, 96, of Waterford and York, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2011 with family by his side. Born in Boston, MA on June 15, 1914, he was the firstborn son of Irish parents, Thomas F. and Ellen White Roberts. He was predeceased by them and siblings Mary, Thomas, William and James.

He graduated from Boston School of Commerce, attended two years at Castine Normal School, graduated from Boston University in 1938 with a B.S. in Education and received a Master of Science in Education from Gorham State Teacher’s College in 1967.

On November 27, 1940 he married Beatrice E. Dow of Milbridge, who survives him after 70 years of marriage. Also surviving are son, Thomas W. Roberts and wife, Elaine of Kailua, HI; daughter, Judith R. Goodell and husband Trenor of York; grandson, Trenor and family of North Haven; granddaughter, Jennifer and family of York; granddaughter, Karen and family of York and grandson, Daniel and family of York.

A U.S. history teacher for 37 years, he taught in Milbridge and next in Eastport for the government Quoddy Project, to enhance Air Force pilots’ knowledge of American history before military service. He then taught in Milo before coming to Norway in 1943 where for some time, he coached high school football, basketball and baseball, along with his teaching duties.

In 1975 he was selected a “distinguished teacher” by the Freedom’s Foundation at Valley Forge for “his outstanding work in helping students to a better understanding of the American way of life.” He served as president of the Oxford County Schoolmasters Club and president of the Oxford County Teachers Association. After retiring in June 1977, he maintained contact with many of his former students.

In retirement he served as selectman for the town of Waterford and as a trustee of the Norway Country Club. He was an avid Red Sox fan and greatly enjoyed the outdoors, hunting with his son-in-law and grandsons, fishing and golfing. A faithful and loving husband, father and grandfather, he relished time spent with family and friends.

He was a communicant of Saint Catherine of Sienna Church in Norway, where a celebration of his life will be held on Friday, July 15 at 11 a.m. Internment will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Norway.

If desired, a gift in Mr. Roberts' memory may be made to The Stephens Memorial Hospital Teaching Program, Stephens Memorial Hospital, c/o Development Office, 181 Main St. #1, Norway, ME 04268-5648.