George "Rocco" Frederick Roberts III

passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at The Miriam Hospital on Tuesday June 26th, two days shy of his 84th birthday. He was the beloved partner to Sandy Langlois. Born June 28, 1934 in Cranston, he was the eldest son of the late Walter and Rose (Brooks) Roberts.

George, a proud Tin Can Sailor, served as an E-3 Gunner’s Mate on the USS William C. Lawe (DD 763) in the United States Navy. Ever the renaissance man, he briefly served as a Patrolman on the Cranston Police force before joining the Teamsters Local 251 as a truck driver for Almacs, and later opening his own bar, The Rock’s, in Cranston. He was a long-time gym enthusiast and looked forward to spending time with his group of dedicated friends at Healthtrax. In later years, George favored quiet mornings spent in his serene backyard and time with Sandy, his children, and his grandchildren.

Besides his significant other Sandy, George is survived by his children and their spouses, Kevin and DeeDee Roberts, Keith and Sarah Roberts, Leanne Jacobson, China Wall, and Bronwyn and Dan Preston, seven grandchildren, Nathalie Roberts, Jackson Roberts, Eleanor Roberts, Meredith Roberts, Lillian Wall, Charles Wall, and Calum Preston, two siblings and their spouses, Judy and Jack Galligan and Michael and Mary Roberts, and countless, cherished relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and son, Shaun William Roberts.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, July 13th, from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Nardolillo Funeral Home & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston. Mass will take place on Saturday, July 14th, at 10 a.m. at St. George Maronite Catholic Church, 1493 Cranston St., Cranston, with a celebration of life immediately following.

It was important to George that we recognize the amazing nursing staff of The Miriam Hospital’s ICU and SCU. We sincerely thank you for your unparalleled commitment to your patients and care for our Rocco. In lieu of flowers, friends may make contributions in George’s honor to the American Lung Association, 260 W Exchange St, Providence, RI 02903. You will continue to be loved and missed, Dad. Happy trails.