August 7, 2023
REST IN PEACE
Walter Patrick, "Wally" Roberts, 89, of Guilford Street, Brattleboro VT died Monday afternoon, August 7, 2023 in the comfort of his home, following an extended period of declining health.
Mr. Roberts was born in Lowell, Massachusetts on October 3, 1933, the son of John J. and Anna (Garrity) Roberts. He was raised and educated in Lowell, attending Sacred Heart Parochial School, graduating from Keith Academy, CFX Boys High School, Class of 1951. He went on to attend Oblate College in Washington, DC and Catholic University, also in Washington, DC. Mr. Roberts completed graduate work at Boston College.
He entered Oblates of Mary Immaculate in 1951 and was ordained a Priest in 1960. His priestly ministry was spent mainly in parishes and high schools in Maryland, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont. In September of 1973, he assumed the pastorate at Saint Michael's Catholic Church in Brattleboro. In 1978, he left the priesthood after serving as pastor of Saint Michael's for five years.
Mr. Roberts later worked as an auditor and supervisor for the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, retiring in 2007.
Steadfast in his daily walk of faith, he was a longtime communicant of Saint Michael's Parish. During his retirement, he ministered to bereaved families conducting funerals, memorial services and graveside committal services, giving consoling comfort and spiritual guidance to many area families.
Of his pastimes and interests, Wally enjoyed taking day trips, especially afternoon rides with his wife, cutting wood, walking his beloved dogs, reading, and following sports.
On May 5, 1979, in Brattleboro, he was married to Karen Castine Clarke who survives.
Besides his faithful and devoted wife of 44 years, he leaves three sons, Arnold Clarke and wife Sue, Michael Clarke and wife Cindy and Brian Clarke, all of Brattleboro; two daughters, Kim Doleszny and husband Mike of Guilford and Katrina Willette and husband Chris of Brattleboro; one brother, Fred Roberts and wife Theresa of Chelmsford, MA; and one sister, Sister Helen Roberts, OSF of Quincy, MA. Additionally, he is survived by ten grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by: three brothers, Francis Roberts, John Roberts, and Paul Roberts; six sisters, Marion Sweeney, Anne Casey, Dorothy Roberts, Rita Coughlin, Eileen Shea, and Mary Alice Curran; and a granddaughter, Caitlin Clarke Cheslawski.
The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 12:00 noon at Saint Michael's Catholic Church with Fr. Henry Furman, pastor, celebrant. Committal Rites and burial will follow in Saint Michael's Parish Cemetery.
Friends are invited to call at Saint Michael's Catholic Church on Saturday from 10:30 AM until the start of the Mass.
Memorial contributions in his name may be made to: Oblates of Mary Immaculate, 486 Chandler St., Tewksbury, MA 01876; or Windham County Humane Society, PO Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
To share a memory or offer condolences to the family, please visit www.atamaniuk.com.
Published by The Brattleboro Reformer on Aug. 10, 2023.