Gary Lee Roberts, 77, of The Villages, loving husband and dedicated father and grandfather, passed away unexpectedly on January 21, 2020 after a morning of fishing with friends in Cedar Key.
He was born on March 14, 1942 in Bristol, Conn. son of the late Lawrence and Margery (Hanna) Roberts. He retired after 25 years of service as a sergeant with the Bristol Police Department. After retiring he attended culinary school to pursue one of his many passions. He went on to teach culinary arts and create many memorable meals for friends and family.
When he and his wife, Pat, moved from the Cape to Florida he was able to enjoy many activities with new friends as a member of the Villages Deep Sea Fishing Club pursuing his lifelong passion for fishing. He also had many memorable trips around the globe fishing with his brother Ron. He was an avid golfer and a proud member of the Florida Horseshoe Pitchers Association, winning multiple Florida Elder’s Single, Doubles and Mixed Doubles State Championships. Gary was proud to serve as the NHPA Regional Director in The Villages this current year.
Gary has made friends far and wide with his love of fishing, golf, horseshoes, cards and cooking and was patient in teaching many of us these skills. He will be missed deeply by all. Fish on Gary…
Gary, first and foremost, was a family man. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Patricia (Lehan) Roberts and his blended family of children; Sandra (Roberts) Burkhardt and her husband Todd, of Terryville, CT, Diane (Roberts) Bourbeau, of Bristol, CT, Jennifer (Zetarski) McDonald, and her husband Thomas, of Barnstable, MA, Robin (Zetarski) Hammack and her husband Craig, of Petaluma, CA and Stephen Zetarski and his wife Hilary of Round Rock, TX and his grandchildren; Justin, Meghan, Skylar, Kaylea, Madison, Riley, Claire, Sophie, and Emilia.
He is also survived by his brother Ronald and his wife Linda of Bedford, NH, his sister Jean (Roberts) McCreesh of Bristol, CT, and many nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother William Roberts.
A gathering of friends and family will be held on Saturday, February 29, 2020 from 2-3pm, with a celebration of life at 3 pm, located at Hiers-Baxley Funeral and Cremation Life Event Center, 3975 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages, Florida 32162.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in his memory to the Ocala Conservation Center and Youth Camp (https://give.wildlifeflorida.org/conserving_wildlife and note Ocala) or C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation (www.castforkids.org )
