William Richard Roberts

William (Bill) Richard Roberts, died peacefully on March 28, 2020 at Lambeth House. He was born September 11, 1934 to Christina Abaunza Roberts and Harold William Roberts. He was predeceased in death by his wife Maureen Toomey Lange Roberts, son Harold (Harry) William Roberts, and sister Kathleen Roberts Rees (Terry). Bill attended Isidore Newman High School, Georgia Tech and Tulane Universities.

In 1970 Bill, his father, and his brother founded Roberts Steamship Agency. In 1975, Bill left the shipping industry and pursued a career in the restaurant industry by forming Roberts’ Gumbo Shop Inc., which he grew into a successful restaurant, catering and wholesale food manufacturer enterprise until 2008 when he sold the business and retired.

He is survived by his beloved children Louise Kyle Roberts, John H. Lange (Susan), Timothy T. Lange (Sarah) and Malise Lange Kearney (Clay) and grandchildren Catherine Elizabeth Lange, Elizabeth Ann Lange, Lee Marquez Lange, John Hunter Lange, Lanier Lange Kearney and Lauren Parker Kearney; his brother James B. Roberts of Florida

He was a member of the Boston Club, Pickwick Club, Southern Yacht Club and several carnival organizations. Bill was awarded Restaurateur of Year in 1992 by the Louisiana Restaurant Association.

He had a lifelong passion for reading and sailing.

The family would like to thank all the residents and employees of Lambeth House especially Valerie Posner, Tyriel Arington, Lora Perryman, Tonya Ross and Vali Talbot. Additional thanks to Dr. Charles C. Smith, III for his extraordinary care over the years.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held later due to the Coronavirus.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be appreciated to Lambeth House Foundation Employee Fund, 150 Broadway Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70118; or the charity of your choice.