June E. Roberts helped to save Charles A. Luongo from drowning, Boston, Mass., July 31, 1967. Charles, 12, got into difficulty while wading at a beach along the Chelsea Point Channel, and the slight current carried him toward deep water. Mrs. Roberts, 31, housewife, who was wearing bathing attire, noticed Charles submerging intermittently. Although she was pregnant, Mrs. Roberts ran 150 feet to the water’s edge and then waded and swam 35 feet to Charles. He had been carried into water 40 feet deep. Taking hold of Charles, who then lost consciousness, Mrs. Roberts towed him 25 feet toward the beach. She obtained footing in wadable water but was so fatigued and winded that she could not even continue to support Charles. She called for assistance. A man waded to them and took Charles from Mrs. Roberts. She followed the man 10 feet to the beach, where Charles was revived.
49793-5450Obituary
June Ellen (McNamara) Roberts, a lifelong resident of East Boston, passed away on August 18, 2025, at Massachusetts General Hospital. She was 89 years old. Born in Boston on July 14, 1936 to the late Mary and Thomas McNamara, June was raised with a deep sense of family, faith, and community—values that guided her throughout her life.
She was the devoted wife of the late John “Jackie” Roberts and a loving mother to Maria Roberto and her husband, Louie and the late John Roberts. June was a proud and loving grandmother to Joseph Roberto and his wife, Michelle, Alexandra Padovani and her husband, Dante, Matthew Roberto and his wifem Maria, Marc Roberto and Justin Roberto. She was also a cherished great-grandmother—affectionately known as “Nee-Nee”—to Alana, Nadia, Louie, Joseph, Maria, Siena, Olivia, Santino, Alessandra, and Stefanos, all of whom brought her immeasurable joy.
A graduate of St. Rose High School, June went on to work for NYNEX, dedicating over 30 years to the company. Outside of her career, she found fulfillment in giving back to the community, especially through her volunteer work at Malden Catholic High School, where her son John was a student.
June was a true hero. While eight months pregnant with her son, John, she courageously saved 12-year-old Charles Luongo from drowning at Heights Beach—a selfless act of bravery for which she was awarded the prestigious Carnegie Medal. It remained one of her proudest life honors.
An avid animal lover, June cared for countless pets over the years and shared a special bond with her beloved dog, Remy. She also found great joy in the everyday moments of family life, especially watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in their many activities and achievements. Whether it was a dance recital, baseball game, soccer match, or basketball tournament, June was their biggest fan. June was truly blessed to witness the lives of 10 great-grandchildren unfold and spent her final years surrounded by the love of her family.