Fr George Mercieca writes:

The first time Dennis Patrick Roberts, an Irish American, landed in Malta years ago, he wanted to visit Gozo even if some friends of his told him there was nothing but farmers, fishermen and poor people.

When he got off the boat it was like a breath of fresh air, and the island stole his heart. He considered Gozo his second home and he lived in Żebbuġ till he died.

Dennis was born in Chicago of a Catholic family and was happy to be of Irish blood. He loved St Patrick and never failed to celebrate St Patrick’s Day on March 17. This day for him was an exception to the rule because he used to observe Lent and abstain from drinking.

I knew him here in Gozo as a happy man, always ready to help others and see to their needs. When he happened to be in a bar, he would offer everyone a drink.

He was an avid reader and a very intelligent man. I used to give him all the magazines I receive from the US and England and to my surprise he used to read them in no time. He used to boast that he got all his knowledge from reading rather than from school.

Dennis loved Gozo and promoted the island through writings to so many friends all over the world, who often visited him. His wife Vera used to tell me how happy he was at Żebbuġ.

At the funeral, I delivered the homily and outlined the good things Dennis loved in life. He had a message for all of us: that life is beautiful and worth living even when you are suffering. In fact, Dennis underwent two major operations in two months and accepted his pain with great dignity.

May he now rest in peace at the Żebbuġ cemetery.