William B. Roberts

William "Bill" Bradford Roberts passed away September 28, 2024 at his home in Lackawanna, NY. He was born Nov 13, 1935 to B. Earle & Jane Roberts, and grew up in Amherst, NY with 5 siblings. He was a graduate of Amherst HS & Springfield College in Mass. His life was dedicated to his family, to community service, and to helping people in need.
He met the love of his life, Eleanor "Norie" (nee Fenton) when they were both summer youth counselors at YMCA/YWCA camps. They were married in 1958 and celebrated 63 years of life together, until her death in 2021.
Bill's passion for service started with his enlistment in the Army, where he served in the National Guard, and continued throughout his life.
He began his career with the YMCA, where he worked for 30 years, in New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, directing facilities, camps, and programs such as Indian Guides/Princesses. Bill will forever be the consummate camp song singer, story-telling prankster, who brought joy & laughter to so many!
His service career continued as a social worker for Child and Adolescent Services, and eventually led him to volunteering his time, energy & enthusiasm well into retirement...he was Director of Operation Good Neighbor food pantry in Evans, he formed the Lakeshore Association of Churches, he advocated for veterans through Veteran's Voices, he helped the Friends of the Night feed people, and he organized & fundraised for any cause he felt worthy.
Bill was a lifelong supporter of human rights, diversity & inclusion, and was still participating in peaceful protests into his 70's. He was well known for his vibrant discussions on politics & religion, often sharing his thoughts to anyone who'd listen. His religion was very important to him throughout his life, he loved singing in the choir, and he changed his place of worship many times, because the clergy and/or the congregation wasn't open & welcoming enough. Bill ended up being a devout member of Zion United Church of Christ in Tonawanda, where he felt welcome & loved.
Bill was an avid Buffalo Bills fan (Bill's Bills), and a baseball fan with a dual allegiance to the Dodgers & Indians. He had a deep love of nature, and found solace & joy at or on Lake Erie, camping, hiking, boating, vacationing, and living on the shore. His lifelong hobby of tending tropical fish led to him opening his own store, Fishman's in Evans, during his retirement. He loved playing cards, doing puzzles, and snuggling with the many cats he had in his life.
He is survived by his brother John (Gloria) Roberts; sons Bruce (Elaine), Bill (Marci), Nick, and daughter Bonnie, as well as 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife Eleanor, sisters Marie & Marilla, and brother Bud.

Services will be held at Zion United Church of Christ on Oct 12th at 11:00am.
15 Koenig Cir.
Tonawanda, Ny 14150
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the YMCA, the VA of WNY, or any food pantries in your area (or his favorite, Operation Good Neighbor), to honor William's legacy of helping others.