William Payne Roberts Jr.

Marlborough - William Payne Roberts Jr. died peacefully at home Sunday, March 23, 2008 surrounded by his family.

He will be missed by his wife, Maria; his son, Carlos and his wife, Belita; his daughter, Fatinha Kerr and her husband, Geoff rey; four grandchildren; five greatgrandchildren; and his siblings, Edith Manchester, Helen Thomas, Dr. John C. Roberts and Fr. Augustine (Bruce) Roberts.

The son of missionary parents, Bishop William and Dorothy (Mills) Roberts, he was born in Shanghai, China in 1922. Upon completion of high school at Hotchkiss School in Connecticut, he entered Yale University until World War II disrupted his education, as it did for so many young men. A profoundly peaceful and ethical man, he responded to the war as a conscientious objector and eventually entered the Trappist Monastery as a lay brother, where he spent 14 years in reflection and contemplation.

Mr. Roberts joined New England Life Insurance Company in Boston in 1961. The following year, he married his beloved Maria and four years later he joined the international accounting firm Peat, Marwick & Mitchell (now KPMG), becoming a senior partner in the Philadelphia, Penn. office.

Mr. & Mrs. Roberts retired to Siasconset (Nantucket Island), where they both resided for 17 years. There, Mr. Roberts pursued his many interests, including tennis, golf, music, the outdoors and computers. An accomplished pianist, he often played his own compositions for different services at the same 'Sconset Community Chapel where his father served as summer chaplain. He also served as Treasurer of the 'SCONSET TRUST, Inc. The Roberts moved to Marlborough seven years ago to be closer to family.

Mr. Roberts was a loving and doting husband and father. A highly principled man, he was known for his humility and thoughtfulness. His quiet kindness and gentle spirit made him loved by all who knew him. He will be profoundly missed.

Services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Marlborough Community Services' Food Pantry (www.mcs-inc. net), 255 Main St., Suite 113, Marlborough MA 01752. Arrangements were by William R. Short and Son Funeral Home of Marlborough.