Earl Roberts

Earl “Robbie” Roberts, 83

Of Brooksville, Florida passed away November 26th, 2019.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years Betty, his children Donna (Mike), Michael (Katy) and Kelly.  His grandchildren, Matt, Savannah, Emily & Cora.  His sisters Carolyn (John), Darlene, and Phyllis.

He was predeceased by his parents Philip and Elaine, and his sister Shirley.

Earl was born December 14, 1935 in Santa Monica, CA. He moved to Renton, WA as a young child.  He entered the Navy in 1952 in the Reserves, went Active Duty in 1954 and earned his Dolphins in 1956.  He earned the rank of Chief Petty Officer in 1968 and retired in 1973.  Earl served aboard the USS Grenadier SS-525, USS Skipjack SSN-585, USS Cobbler SS-344, USS Jallao SS-368, and USS Grouper SS-214.  He was so proud of his Military career.  He was inducted into the Holland Club in 2006. Earl was the Charter Base Commander of the Weekie Wachee Submarine Veteran’s Base in Brooksville, Fl.

Earl met Betty in 1958 and they were married in 1962 in Philadelphia and started their family.  They moved to Oakdale, CT in 1965, where Earl continued his military career in Groton.

After retiring from the Navy, Earl went to work for General Dynamics Electric Boat, where he worked for 17 years.  He also worked for Terry Transportation, AZ Electric, and Montville Florist.  Earl also owned his own business, Robbie’s Engraving.

Earl was a former member of Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Oakdale, CT and an active member of St. Anthony the Abbot Catholic Church in Brooksville, FL, where he also served as an usher.  Earl was a Fourth-Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus and served as Grand Knight, Faithful Navigator, and District Deputy in CT.  He was a member of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Council 3022 in Spring Hill, FL.

Earl loved to volunteer. He volunteered for Special Olympics in CT, 9 years at Oak Hill Hospital in the Emergency Room in Brooksville, Fl. He also belonged to Crimewatch and CERT for Brookridge Community, and Hernando County Fire Corp.  He also volunteered with CAP4Kids.

Earl loved to travel and made sure to cross Alaska off his bucket list.  Earl and Betty loved to go camping and were apart of North American Family Campers Association, and Nautical Nomads Organization. They also went to Hawaii and loved to cruise.  Earl loved to do puzzles, watch Nascar, and watch football (Go Seahawks!)

Earl is now free from Dementia and with family and friends.

The Viewing will be on Friday, December 6th from 2-4PM & 6-8PM at Downing Funeral Home, 1214 Wendy Ct, Spring Hill, FL 34607. Military Honors will be at 3:30PM.  His memorial Mass will be held on December 7th at 9AM at St. Anthony the Abbot Catholic Church, 20428 Cortez Blvd, Brooksville, FL 34601.

Fair Winds and Following Seas

“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. “It’s hard to forget someone who gave us so much to remember.”

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation

in Earl Roberts name to HPH Sturgill Care Center 

or St. Anthony Catholic Church.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Earl Roberts, please visit our floral store.