New Lebanon – Paul Wayne Roberts, 75, died peacefully at home on Friday, September 30, 2011, with his wife Joan at his side. Born in Pittsfield, MA, on September 8, 1936, he was the son of the late Willard and Elene Dymond Roberts. Paul was a lifelong resident of New Lebanon, NY, and was a 1954 graduate of New Lebanon Central School. He was employed by the Columbia County Highway Department for four years and later was employed for over 39 years by Ceramaseal in New Lebanon, first as a draftsman then as a maintenance supervisor before retiring in April of 1999. He was best known for his faithful 44 years as tech inspector at the Lebanon Valley Speedway and Dragway. He was a member of the Lebanon Valley Protective Association since 18 years of age. He was an avid conversationalist, as many well know from the recycle center, post office, flea market and beyond. He was the beloved husband of 54 years of Joan Conklin Roberts, loving father of Kimberly Marie and husband Tim Hann of Ft. Walton Beach, FL, Michael Wayne and wife Cindy Roberts of Eagle, ID, Kevin William and wife Patty Roberts of St. Petersburgh, FL, and Lynn Marie and husband Rick Gale of Lebanon, IL, loving grandfather of Kyle, Brittany, Alexis and Spencer, loving brother of Lillian Mercier of Troy, NY, Janice Finney of Adams, NY, and Beverly Kie of Plattsburgh, NY. He is also survived by three cousins, John, Barbara and Robert, and 22 nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends may call at the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home, 457 NY 43 in Stephentown on Wednesday, October 12, from 4 to 7 pm with a memorial service at 6:30 pm with Rev. Ed Harkins, Lebanon Valley Speedway Racetrack Chaplain, officiating. A gathering will follow the service at the Lebanon Valley Speedway Clubhouse. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lebanon Valley Protective Association, P.O. Box 162, New Lebanon, NY, 12125.