Obituary

John W. Roberts, obituary

Tue, 09/27/2016 - 12:30pm

APPLETON – John W. Roberts, 72, died unexpectedly on Sept. 20, 2016, at Windward Gardens in Camden.

Born in Portland on March 31, 1944, he was one of six children, the only son, of William and Margaret Davis Roberts. Growing up in Searsport he was a member of the Class of 1962. Leaving high school early to join the U.S. Navy, John served during Vietnam and was stationed off the coast of Cuba on a ship. He served for more than 12 years before being honorably discharged.

Returning to the states, John made his way back to Searsport, where he reconnected with an old high school friend, Ethlyn Hamilton. The two were married on May 29, 1976, in Searsport. Together they enjoyed boating, with John always trying teach Ethlyn everything along the way. They took countless car rides, stopping for picnics, and also enjoyed going camping.

John was a hard worker and patriotic American. For many years he was employed at the Searsport Tank Farm, inspecting the tanks and daily operations there. John also had a special place in his heart for his little dog, Bubbles.

Predeceased by two sisters, Rita Collins and Mina Barry; and a brother-in-law, Raymond W. Hamilton Jr.; John is survived by his wife, Ethlyn Roberts of Appleton; his sisters, Wilma “Billie” Burry of Belfast and Virginia, Rhoda Sufkin of Swanville, and Rhonda Altman of Florida; his sisters-in-law and their families, Ramona Sawyer of Stockton Springs, Donna Herrick and her husband, Doug, of Hancock, Janice Hamilton and her companion, Peter Lachance, of Brunswick, and Suzanne Hamilton-Wuori of Norfolk, Va.; two special cousins, Richard Jackson of Searsport and Gary Collins of Searsmont; a special friend, Gerald Smith of Huntington, Mass.; as well as many nieces and nephews.

John will be laid to rest on Monday, Oct 3, at 1 p.m. at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery on Mt. Vernon Road in Augusta.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the American Heart Association, 51 U.S. Route One, Suite M, Scarborough, ME 04074; or the American Diabetes Association, 10 Speen Street, 2nd Floor, Framingham, MA 01701.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.