This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Daniel Lee Roberts of Old Saybrook, 71, formerly of Meriden, passed away peacefully on Nov. 14 after a brief illness, surrounded by family and friends. He was born on Oct. 18, 1947, in Meriden, the son of the late John W. and Shirley (Dobratz) Roberts.

Daniel was a technical education teacher and department chair in the Wallingford Public School System from 1971 to 2000. He was the sole proprietor of K+D Machine Services until his retirement in 2012.

He was a life member of the Elks Club, where he served on the scholarship committee for many years and a life member of the Meriden Boys and Girls Club. He served as committee chairman of the restoration of the Fairview Pavilion in Hubbard Park, and spearheaded the restoration of Endee Park Playground. Dan was past president of Old Kelsey Point Beach Association and served on the board of Indiantown Association.

He was also a member of the Connecticut Society of Technical Educators throughout his career. He always upheld the value of technical education and worked hard to promote its importance in society. He was highly regarded by his students and maintained personal and working relationships with a great many of them throughout his life.

Mr. Roberts was a 1966 graduate of H.C. Wilcox Technical School, where he received a tool and die maker certification. He went on to earn an associate’s degree in mechanical engineering from Waterbury State Technical college, then a B.A., M.A. in technical education, and a sixth-year degree in administration from Central Connecticut State University.

He enjoyed warm weather vacations in Florida and Antigua and loved fishing and boating at his home in Old Saybrook. His favorite pastime was helping his neighbors, friends, and family with “projects.”

Daniel is survived by his wife Elena; daughters Monica Roberts and husband Nicholas Pearson of Sevenoaks, England, and Jessica Mallon and husband James of Rosemont, New Jersey; twin brother John W. Roberts, Jr., and wife Jody of Meriden; sister Deborah Zimmerman and husband William of Arizona; grandchildren Vivienne, Georgia, Finnegan, Tyler, Matthew, and Jacob; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his best friend and “brother” David Petros. He had many close friends whom he considered family, that were a great help and comfort to him in his time of need.

Calling hours will be held on Nov. 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a memorial service immediately after at Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Westbrook Elks Scholarship committee or the Meriden Boys and Girls Club.

The family would like to thank the VNA of Guilford.