Stephen J. Roberts 90, of Bristol, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, Jan. 8. Steve was born in Stamford, Conn., on Nov. 15, 1931, to the late Frederick and Mary (Gladis) Roberts. He was raised in Bristol and attended Bristol Public Schools.
As a U.S. Army veteran, he served in Korea until his honorable discharge in 1954. Steve never retired and spent 67 years working with family, most recently at TriMar Manufacturing with his nephew Keith Martinelli, and Keith’s children Kara, Kris and Ian. Most of all, Steve will be remembered as a devoted family man who loved, more than anything, spending time with his sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was a big fan of all Bristol baseball teams and enjoyed his annual trips to Arizona to watch his sons Steve and Tom participate in the senior baseball world series. He enjoyed time outdoors with his son Mike working in the garden and on various projects around the house. As Poppy to 22 grandchildren and great grandchildren, he found the most joy in spending time at their activities and events.
He is predeceased by his wife, Mary Martinelli Roberts and survived by his loving children, Stephen (Mary) Roberts of Avon, Michael (Deborah) Roberts of Southington, and Thomas (Susan) Roberts of Peachtree City, Ga.; his adoring grandchildren, Meagan (Ryan) Mains, Katie Roberts (Joe Susi), Emily Roberts (Matt Karas), Amanda (Anthony) Ocone, Jennifer (Brandon) Becker, Jessica Roberts (Michael Gillette), Timothy Roberts and Tyler Roberts; and his 13 great-grandchildren Jenna, Natalie and Brooke Mains, Luciana and Frankie Ocone, Payton, Logan and Delaney Becker, Emma, Elsie and Enzo Gillette and Leah and Blake Roberts.
He is also survived by his siblings, James Roberts of Bristol, William (Doris) Roberts of Fairfield, Mary (William) Klimkiewicz of Bristol and many cherished nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his grandson Michael Roberts, and siblings Gladys Berardinelli and Frederick Roberts.
The family would like to thank his healthcare team for outstanding care at the VA Hospital, the Yale Smilow Cancer Hospital and Beacon Hospice staff.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Jan. 13, at 9 a.m. from Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol, to St. Matthew Church, 120 Church Ave., Bristol, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Burial, with military honors, will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol.
Relatives and friends may call at Funk Funeral Home on Wednesday between 4 and 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to West Haven VA, 950 Campbell Ave., West Haven, CT 06516, or St. Matthew Church, 120 Church Ave., Bristol, CT 06010.
Please visit Steve’s memorial website at www.FunkFuneralHome.com.
