Obituary of Donald "Don" E. Roberts

Donald “Don” E. Roberts, age 81, passed away at his home in Burlington on Thursday, March 6^th with his loving family by his side.  He was the beloved husband of Martha “Marty” (Kirsch) Roberts, with whom he had shared over 54 wonderful years of marriage.

Born in Wenham, MA on May 19, 1943, he was one of five children of the late Robert A. and Shirley (Hagar) Roberts.  Don was raised in Wenham, MA and graduated from Beverly High School with the Class of 1961.  Don was a gifted athlete from a young age, and was always proud of Co-Captaining an undefeated Beverely High School football team in 1960.  He then went on to graduate from Rutger’s University in 1965.  Following his education, he was drafted into the United States Army from 1966-1968.  A few years later while he was down in Hawaii, Don met his dear wife Marty through mutual friends and family.  The two fell in love, and before long were back in Syracuse getting married.  Shortly after, in 1971, they settled down in Burlington to start their family.

It didn’t take long for Don to fall in love with the deep-rooted sense of community that Burlington offered.  It only made sense that he devoted his career and much of his personal life to bettering the town, not only as Director of Recreation, but also with the tremendous amount of volunteer work that he did.  Don was the quiet and humble, but also incredibly pivotal Director of Recreation for the Town of Burlington for 38 years.  In his time as director, he truly changed everything he touched for the better, and never wanted an ounce of recognition for it.  That being said, he made such an enormous impact that he was named Recreational Professional of the Year in 1991, and even had a place in the Burlington Recreation Hall of Fame; and although he was proud, he more so felt it was his duty to bring positive change to the place he loved so much and the town he and his family called home.  The recreation department was not the only area of Burlington that benefited from Don’s generosity and wealth of ideas and knowledge.  He also actively volunteered with the Friends of Burlington Public Library, the Burlington Food Pantry, and was President of the Library Club.  Through positive change, encouragement of new ideas, and willingness to work things out until they were just right, Don left his fingerprint on the town, and his impact will be felt by generations to come.

Although Don spent much of his free time working and volunteering for the town, he always made time for the people and the things he loved.  He relished any chance he had to get out on the golf course, and kept close tabs on Boston sports—especially the Celtics and the Red Sox.  He was also a member of the “lunch basketball” crew, and would play basketball with other town employees on his lunch break.  Don was proud to be the longest and eldest member of the group, playing three times a week until he was 78 years old.  Above all else though, Don loved his family.  He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who was a constant presence.  Whether he was attending a sporting game—which he never missed a single one—or just spending time with them, he made sure to show his family how steadfastly there for them he was.  No matter what Don found himself doing, he always had an answer, and always left a positive, lasting impression on anyone he met.

Along with his dear wife Marty, Don is survived by his loving children, Ellen Roberts and her fiancé Matt Hill of Charlestown, Susan Venezia and her husband Mark of Framingham, Mary Jones and her husband Mark of Framingham, and Michael Roberts of Burlington; his three grandchildren, Anthony Venezia, Madison Venezia, and Hunter Gibson; his siblings Larry Roberts, Penny Sullivan, and Sandra Fairweather, as well as many other dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

Don was the beloved brother of the late Robert Roberts, Jr.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation on Tuesday, March 11^th from 4 pm until 7 pm at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington.  Don’s Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, March 12^th at 10 am at St. Malachy Church, 99 Bedford St., Burlington.  Please meet at church. 

As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s honor to People Helping People, Burlington.