John & Joan Roberto, Jr. Family Scholarship Fund

John Roberto was born on November 30, 1929 and lived his whole life in Wakefield. His wife Joan was also a lifelong Wakefield resident. When Joan died of cancer on January 16, 2009 this fund was established. Joan was a member of the WHS Class of 1948. She was a cheerleader and member of the Inter Nos. For several years Joan worked at Purdy’s Photography of Boston before marrying and starting her family. She was a parishioner of St. Florence Parish where she taught CCD and was a member of the Ladies Sodality. She also served as President of the Woodville School PTA where she was instrumental in establishing the school library. She was a member of the Sons of Italy and served as Chaplain and as Chair of the Public Relations Committee. She loved decorating and maintaining her home and garden.

John graduated with the WHS Class of 1947 and was co-Captain of the football team and President of the Student Council. He founded the semi-professional football team, the Wakefield Redskins. John brought the first night football games to Wakefield High School. He is a member of the Crystal Community Club, the Lions Club, Sons of Italy Lodge 1734. He was a businessman as well. During his professional life, he owned and operated Crystal Fruit, Steve’s Delicatessen and Riviera Health Center.

Joan and John raised four children together, John (Jack), Alfred (Fred), Janice, and Mark, all of whom graduated from WHS. This fund has been established to honor John and Joan Roberto, two people who are proud of the community they love so much, and who are supporters of the Wakefield Public Schools and Warrior fans for life!