Rick was a 1973 graduate of Mount Saint Charles Academy. He was the third generation owner of Industrial Oil & Supply Company of Woonsocket, a family business which has been operating for nearly ninety years. Working through the family business starting in his youth until his passing, Rick developed his lifetime love of history. The company served many of the textile and manufacturing giants in Woonsocket, the Blackstone Valley and throughout New England. Rick would fondly reminisce and tell stories about his experiences with these mills, bringing much of what the Museum of Work & Culture displays to life. With that, it is only fitting that a piece of his memory live on through this great exhibit and on behalf of his family and contributors we hope that some of these memories occupy a special place in your heart as well.
Rick died on November 16, 2016. He was married to his beloved Dr. Martha (Ballou) Roberts. He was born in Woonsocket and was the son of the late Arthur Eldridge and Jeannette (Chenevert) Roberts.