Richard Ovilla Roberts

Rick Roberts, 71, of Tupper Lake, passed away on Monday, July 6, 2020, at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake.

Rick is survived by his son, Kirk Roberts of Fort Pierce, Florida. He was predeceased by his daughter Angela Roberts of Tupper Lake.

Rick was born on December 7th, 1948, in Tupper Lake. His parents were Ovilla Roberts and Dorothy Gale.

Rick was raised in lumber camps until he was old enough to go to school. Rick attended Holy Ghost Academy, in Tupper Lake until the tenth grade. He then attended Tupper Lake High School when he was recruited to play football by Frank Tice.

Rick graduated from Tupper Lake High School in 1966. In 1968, Rick married Susan Fuller. He and Susan had a son, Kirk Roberts. Rick spent six years in the Army Reserves. He was a medic with the 310th Field Hospital in Malone. He received an honorable discharge.

Rick attended Loyola University in Montreal where he played football. Rick then went on to play football at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. He studied Biology and Physical Education. Rick trained and coached many young people in his home gym in Tupper Lake. Rick was an expert in Fitness and Power-lifting. He trained six High School National Championship Teams.

In 1987, Rick won Lumberjack of the Year, Canadian American Championship. In 1989, Rick was also a National Champion and World Champion. He today still holds the New York State bench press record for 275 lb. Class sub-masters. Rick came back to Tupper Lake and worked as a Lumberjack. He then worked at the United States Postal Service and retired in 1998 after 25 years of service to the USPS.

Rick married Denise Villeneuve and they had a daughter, Angela Roberts. Rick continued to train weightlifters and worked with Tupper Lake youth until 2015.

Per Ricks wishes, there will be no calling hours or service. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Frary-Stuart Funeral Home.

Online condolences can be made at www.fraryfuneralhomes.com.