Herbert H. Roberts, Jr.

Herbert “Bert” H. Roberts Jr., 79, of West Kingston died unexpectedly at home on January 6, 2015. He was the loving husband of Edith (Partyka) Roberts. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Frances (Mitchell) and Herbert Roberts Sr. A South County resident most of his life, he was a dedicated school teacher at Chariho High School for 27 years before retiring. It is here where he started the school's first soccer program 51 years ago. At the same time he was instrumental in starting the RI Interscholastic League. His team played in the first state championship the following year. He later came out of coaching retirement for a few years to coach at North Kingstown High School in order to save their program. The original soccer field, which he built at Chariho High School with his players and students, is now dedicated in his name. He was an assistant wrestling and football coach for two years and was amongst the first inductees into the Chariho Boosters Hall of Fame. Following retirement, he worked at RJ Carbones Wholesale Florist. His love of education and agriculture led him to be an NEA life member, NEA-RI retired, FFA Alumni life member and a member of NE Holstein Association. Mr. Roberts also co-owned Evergreen Acres. Besides his wife he is survived by his three sons, Bert III and his wife Sharon, William and Brian Roberts of West Kingston; his daughter Beth Cheney Wilkins and her husband Jason of North Kingstown; loving grandfather to Shauna and her husband Steven Major, Sean and Morgan Cheney; great grandfather to Chase Major and brother to John Roberts and his wife Sandra. Funeral services and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Animal Rescue League of Southern RI, P.O. Box 458, Wakefield, RI 02880 or an educational scholarship of your choice.