Frederick "Rick" W. Roberts Jr.

Frederick W. Roberts, Jr. May 16, 1944 – December 11, 2017 Rick Roberts, a 43-year resident of Felton, passed away at his home after battling prostate cancer for many years. He was 73 years old. Born in Braintree, Massachusetts, Rick moved to southern California as a youth, and graduated from James Madison High School. He attended Cal State Northridge University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. A genuine “people person”, Rick was president of his college fraternity, and always enjoyed working with others rather than individually. Rick’s background in journalism aided him when he began his career as a successful social worker with Child Protective Services in Los Angeles, where he advocated for those who had no voice in the court system. He moved with his wife and two sons to Felton in 1974. With expertly prepared court letters and other documents, Rick was instrumental in helping better the lives of children and their families. His career spanned over 50 years, and he retired as supervisor of CPS with the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency. Rick leaves many dear friends, colleagues, and clients who will always remember his dedication to his profession, and his devotion to those who needed help. His volunteered countless hours, not including the drop-ins, phone calls, and checking up on the progress of those he represented. Rick also volunteered for Meals on Wheels, and was instrumental in linking companies and food services with Mountain Community Resources Food Pantry. He coached Little League Baseball in the San Lorenzo Valley for twenty years, and was particularly proud of coaching Pat Burrell, and watching his career unfold as a major league batting leader. Rick loved to play Cribbage and Bridge with cherished friends, who will miss his camaraderie, his good humor, and his love of good wine. Rick was a proud season ticket holder to the 49ers in the 80’s and 90’s, and he was a stalwart fan of the San Francisco Giants and Golden State Warriors, and he never failed to root for the Red Sox and the Celtics in honor of his hometown. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Wendie Roberts of Felton; his sons, Darren Roberts of Felton, and Chad Roberts of Fort Wayne, Indiana; and by a sister, Marilyn of Kent, Washington. He also leaves two grandchildren, Johnny and Keirsten of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Rick was preceded in death by his brother, Steve Roberts, and by his parents, Dorothy and Fred. A memorial service will be held on August 25. Please see the Evite for more information: http://evite.me/8yrCHNemRF Donations in Rick’s name can be directed to Camp Opportunity, www.campopp.org. Please visit the Benito and Azzaro homepage to share your reflections and condolences with his family.