Donald Francis Roberts

Donald Francis Roberts, 71, of Gloucester, passed away on March 6, 2026. Born on October 7, 1954, at Addison Gilbert Hospital to the late Ronald F. and R. Leslie (Anderson) Roberts, he grew up alongside his twin brother Ronald.

Donald graduated from Gloucester High School in 1972 after attending all Gloucester public schools. He was active in Boy Scouts, played trumpet and xylophone in the band, and participated in ROTC. He went on to graduate from Essex Agricultural and Technical Institute with an associate’s degree in culinary arts. He worked in several local restaurants in the Cape Ann area, notably at Captain Courageous in Gloucester and Dexter’s Hearthside in Essex.

In 1981, he married Donna F. (Tortolini) Roberts. Together they had a daughter, Megan, in 1985 and a son, Jesse, in 1994. Donald later left his culinary career to work alongside his mother at Cape Ann Fire Appliance and Recharging Service and Andy’s Storage on Pearl Street, where he became affectionately known in Gloucester as “the fire extinguisher man.” A lifelong Harley-Davidson enthusiast, he also enjoyed buying, restoring, and selling pre-owned vehicles.

After undergoing triple bypass surgery in 2006, Donald retired and spent many hours with friends at the Amvets, Legion, and Moose. Though he lived for many years with a weakened heart, he outlasted expectations. He is survived by his children, Megan E. Benjamin of Gloucester and Jesse A. Roberts of Haverhill; his granddaughter, Brynna L. Benjamin of Gloucester; and his twin brother, Ronald Roberts of Gloucester.