West Simsbury, CT – Clifford F. Roberts, Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on October 20, 2026.
Cliff was born on December 17, 1926, to Clifford F. and Hazel R. (Votraw) Roberts at Wesson Memorial Hospital in Springfield, MA.
He graduated from the Hatfield school system and enlisted in the United States Navy shortly after his 18th birthday. During World War II, he served as an Aviation Electrician’s Mate, Class A, before being honorably discharged and returning home to help run the family’s poultry business, following the untimely death of his father.
After marrying Carolyn Rozicki in 1954, Cliff and Carolyn settled in Hatfield, MA, where they raised their two daughters and spent the next 50 years building a life together.
Cliff spent most of his career as a truck driver for Cray Burke, in Springfield, MA. In addition, in the 1960s, he and Carolyn, along with his brother and sister-in-law, purchased the Meadow Inn in Sunderland, MA, from Carolyn’s family and ran it for many years.
Cliff retired at age 62, as soon as he became eligible for full retirement benefits. Having lost his father at a young age, he understood that life was short and wanted to make the most of it. Carolyn, then 55, retired as well, allowing them to enjoy many wonderful years together.
During his early retirement years, Cliff continued to drive, hauling cucumbers from Rogaleski Farm in Hatfield to the Oxford Pickle Shop in South Deerfield. He and Carolyn spent some winters in Florida and traveled across the country twice, creating memories they would cherish for years to come.
In 2003, Cliff and Carolyn moved south to Etowah, NC. They spent 16 wonderful years there, enjoying their home, their community, and the life they had built together. In 2019, they returned north to be closer to family and lived in an in-law apartment with their grandson, Cliff Payson, and his family.
Cliff was a sweet, easygoing man who shared his signature chuckle with everyone fortunate enough to spend time with him. That familiar laugh stayed with him right up until the very end. His greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was an avid reader and a lifelong New York Giants fan.
Cliff was predeceased by his beloved wife, Carolyn, who passed away on June 21, 2026. Over the years, when people asked Cliff the secret to his longevity, he would simply point to Carolyn and say, “She is.”. It was therefore no surprise to his family that he followed her just four months after her passing. It is comforting to imagine them together again.
He was also predeceased by his parents and his brothers, Donald and Paul Roberts.
Cliff is survived by his daughters, Kim Ruddock and her husband, Harry, and Lisa Packard and her husband, Chris; his grandchildren, Cliff Payson and his wife, Lindy, and Ben Ruddock and his wife, McKenzie; his great-grandchildren, Abel and Avery Payson; and several nieces and nephews.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Cliff’s entire care team, especially his granddaughter, Lindy Payson, who was his primary caregiver during his final months, and Lisa Woods, PT and caregiver, for her compassionate care of both Cliff and Carolyn over the past three years.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to your local senior center in Cliff’s memory.
In keeping with Cliff’s wishes, there will be no services. Cliff and Carolyn’s ashes will be scattered together on their anniversary, a fitting tribute to a love that endured a lifetime. Arrangements are under the care of Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home, 87 Franklin Street, Greenfield, MA 01301.
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