BELFAST — Richard Kirk Roberts, 78, of Lincolnville, passed away on April 11, 2020. Born in White Plains, New York on August 16, 1941 to George and Shirley Bowes Roberts.

He graduated high school from the Storm King School, Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York.

He graduated from Springfield College with a bachelor’s of science and completed his master’s in education from the University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut.  

He began his career in Pelham, New York, as an educator and coached multiple sports. While completing his graduate degree at the University of Connecticut, Rich was an assistant soccer coach for the Huskies.

Upon completion of his graduate degree, his love of sports and education led to his career in the Athletic Department at the University of Connecticut for 15 years.

Upon retirement from UConn, he moved to Maine, where he started his own painting company and antique business.  He was a high school varsity girls’ soccer coach at Camden-Rockport High School for six years.

Rich was passionate about all sports whether he was participating, viewing or discussing; it was a favorite past time. He was an avid golfer, tennis and racquetball player into his 70s. 

He was always energetic and never missed a day without some kind of physical activity. Baseball season was his favorite time of year and he loved any opportunity to play catch with his grandsons.

As a die-hard Yankee fan, (he tolerated family Red Sox fans) he never missed a game and loved spending time at Camden Yards in Maryland with his grandsons watching the Yankees beat the Orioles.

He was an avid collector of sports memorabilia in his “Hall of Fame” at home filled with his favorite sports collections, especially, Mickey Mantle and Derek Jeter.   

Rich was known for his fun-loving spirit, bright blue eyes, infectious smile and laugh, and his way of making any stranger feel like a friend. His favorite past times included antiquing, his love for vintage cars and trucks, along with his passion for meticulously maintaining his home.

Rich’s happiest moments were times spent with friends and family.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Marcia Hall Roberts of Lincolnville; son Chris Roberts, of Massachusetts; daughter Kelly and Chris Reif, of Maryland; son Ben and Lisa Spooner, of Massachusetts; daughter Abby Ferrante, of Morrill; son Jay and Amy Young, of Florida; daughter Jodi and Kenny Young, of Belfast; daughter Jill and Bob Booth, of North Carolina; sister Cynthia and Carmine Giordano, of New York, and many sister in-laws and brother in-laws, nieces and nephews all who adored him as much as he loved them.

Rich was a devoted grandfather to his 14 grandchildren. He adored his grandchildren and cherished making many special memories with them. He was predeceased by his father, mother and brother, David Roberts.

A celebration of Rich’s life will be held at a later time with family and friends.

Rich had great compassion and appreciation for our country and those who have served past, present and future. He always extended his gratitude with a friendly hand-shake and he generously donated every chance he had to our veterans.

Memorial donations can be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516. www.woundedwarriorproject.org