OLD LYME — It is with great sadness that we report the death in the early hours of Wednesday, Dec. 30, of Mervin F. Roberts, 98, of Old Lyme.
Old Lyme First Selectman Timothy Griswold commented exclusively to LymeLine.com on Mr. Roberts’s passing, saying, “With the passing of Merv Roberts, Old Lyme has lost one of its most remarkable citizens. He was a Town Citizen of the Year, a Town Selectman, Chaplain of the Old Lyme Fire Department and active in so many other ways.”
Griswold added, “As his body became more frail, I think his mind became sharper. Just last September, Merv, as a Shellfish Commissioner, wrote a letter to the National Railroad Corp. asking whether any toxic ingredients would be used in the concrete, paint or steel used to build the new railroad bridge over the Connecticut River. Not bad for a 98-year-old.”
In conclusion, Griswold said, “We shall miss his interesting speeches at the Memorial Day Parade observances. I feel privileged to have known Merv and thank him for all he did for Old Lyme.”
Editor’s Note: I too am proud to have known Mr. Roberts. He was an extraordinary man and such a mine of information. He wrote several op-ed’s for LymeLine and was never hesitant to give his opinions on a wide range of topics. He led an amazing life and wrote several books. He gave me an autographed copy of one and it is one of my most treasured possessions to this day.
Michele Dickey wrote a wonderful article about Mr. Roberts in May of this year in which he reflected on his 50 years service as Chaplain of the Old Lyme Fire Department. We also published an article including a video of Mr. Roberts reading his final Memorial Day Homily aloud.
Finally, through a recent fortuitous series of events, LymeLine helped connect a boat named the ‘Mervin F. Roberts’ with the Wood Island Life Saving Station Association (WILSSA) in Kittery Point, Maine. The President of the WILSSA, Sam Reid, came to Old Lyme to meet in person with Mr. Roberts. The boat has now been transported to Maine to be restored in the WILSSA Maritime Museum and Mr. Roberts was very happy with that outcome.
A fundraising campaign is underway locally to assist with the expense of moving the boat. Read our article covering the whole story of the boat, why it is so named, and why it is such an important find for the WILSSA at this link.
Mervin, what a great man! He shared many memories with my deceased mother in law Mary Symonds. A gentle man and a gentle soul.
He contributed so much to our town.
We will miss you Mervin❤️
Mr. Roberts came into my bookshop at least once a week for 13 years. He regaled me with stories during every visit. His intelligence and humor always brightened my day. He was a wonderful man. We lost a treasure.
Merv was an incredible man and lived quite a remarkable life. Every time I spoke with Merv, I learned something new about Old Lyme’s history or about life, in general. I will miss hearing his pearls of wisdom from his annual Memorial Day homily and seeing him around town. He gave so much to our community and we are better because of it.
Mr. Roberts was a dear friend of my dad’s and an impressive fixture in my childhood growing up on the shoreline. Our family shared many boat rides, parades and dinners with Merv over the years. He was endlessly warm, generous, and knew how to make each person in the room feel special. It was a gift to know him and be privy to his endless, and endlessly fascinating, stories. He will always hold a bright spot in my memories and heart.