OXFORD – Charles N. Roberts, 85, of Oxford, passed away peacefully on Feb. 27, 2011 at Chenango Memorial Nursing Home, after a long battle with ill health, with his family by his side.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Barbara (Davis) Roberts of Oxford, who misses him more than words can express; as well as his four sons and their wives, John and Mary Roberts of Sherburne, Bradley and Jacquelin Roberts of Fairfield, Ohio, Robert and Sharon Roberts of Oxford, Christopher and Mary Beth Roberts of Thousand Oaks, Calif.; his grandchildren, Lisa and Roger Shackleton, Nicole and Andy Segelke, Steven and Enid Roberts, Janice Roberts and Scott Cosen, John Jr. and Angie Roberts, Kim and Kevin Ekstrom, Jennifer Roberts, Hannah Roberts, and Emma Roberts; great-grandchildren, Taylor, Madison, Sam, Ben, Jenna, Kendra, Charlie, Anthony, Isabella, and Liliana. He was predeceased by his parents, Irving and Dorothy (Olmstead) Roberts and his brother, Boyce Roberts.
He had lived in Oxford since he was twelve years old, moving here from Westford with his family. He graduated from Oxford Academy in 1943, and began working at a number of jobs including Borden’s Milk Factory, and farm work for a very good friend, Charles Gardner, then at GLA where he worked for 14 years. He then became self-employed as a carpenter, which he truly loved. He constructed and remodeled many homes throughout the Oxford area, and also built many pieces of furniture for his wife and grandchildren.
He was a member of the Oxford Fire Department and he served as Captain of the Oxford Emergency Squad. He served as a Town Justice in Preston for several years. He faithfully filled the role as Chairman of the Building Committee for the Oxford United Methodist Church. He enjoyed the outdoors, and was an avid deer and turkey hunter.
Funeral services will be held at the Behe Funeral Home, 21 Main St., Oxford on Monday at 3 p.m. with the Rev. John Martin, pastor of the Oxford United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in the spring at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Norwich.
Friends may call at the Behe Funeral Home on Monday from 1 p.m. until the time of the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Oxford Emergency Squad, PO Box 172, Oxford, NY 13830.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the Behe Funeral Home website at www.behefuneralhome.com.