MANUEL P. ROBERTS

GREENFIELD, Manuel “Manny” P. Roberts, 63, a resident of the Morgan Allen House, died unexpectedly on Saturday, November 3, 2012. Manny was born June 25, 1949, in New York City, the eldest son of the late Rosemarie (Marcel) Roberts and Perry E. Roberts.

Manny grew up in Amherst, attended Amherst schools, and graduated from Amherst Regional High School in 1967. In the 70s, he enjoyed the Rock’n’Roll life as a percussionist and vocalist in many local bands, most notably in Real Tears, a Valley band popular at that time.

Manny went on to coach tennis at local colleges. In 1983 he coached the Amherst College women’s tennis team alongside the legendary coach Ed Serues, and between 1983 – 1990 he coached men’s tennis at the University of Massachusetts where, in 1989, he coached the men’s team to an ECAC Championship. Also an avid freshwater and saltwater fisherman, Manny seemed happiest when he had rod and reel in hand fishing with his best friend Brian Higgins. Manny recently retired from the University of Massachusetts following 37 years of service.

Manny leaves four children: Heather, in Greenfield; Ian, in Turners Falls; Raquel Barry, in Greenfield; and Shane, in Montague. He is also survived by a sister Rosemarie James, in Amherst; a brother Juan and his wife Michele, in Belchertown; his aunt Edythe Harris, in Greenfield; and a large extended family – most of whom reside in the Pioneer Valley. A sister, Marie, predeceased him in 2007.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life on November 17^th at the UMass Campus Center, 11^th floor, from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Franklin Area Survival Center, 96 Fourth Street, Turners Falls, MA 01376, 413-863-9549. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com.

Service details, Social networking, Memorial Guestbook and Slideshow are available here.