Long-time Peterborough official, businessman and leader Albert Roy died this week after a period of failing health.
Roy was best known as the owner of Roy’s Market in downtown Peterborough, which he owned for 49 years. He was a friend of the community who was impossible to ignore.
“His name is so recognizable a name here in town because he was always kind and generous,” Peterborough resident and Selectman Barbara Miller said. “That’s carried on today by his nephew, Peter Robinson.”
Robinson bought the store in 2005, when his uncle talked him into it at a family gathering.
“He loved, absolutely loved, what he did for a living,” Robinson said. “He used to say, ‘Peter, your work will never be done here. There’s always more to do.’”
Robinson described Roy as a Gary Cooper-type, a model of the strong, silent gentleman.
“He was a very unassuming gentleman,” he said. “He was bright, thoughtful and very kind.”
For years, Roy lived above his store, and continued living there after Robinson took over before moving to Rivermead later in life.
Robinson says Roy would come down into the store late at night, and work, even though he was no longer the owner, and even though the store was closed.
“All the things he did, all the baseball teams and churches and organizations he gave to in town,” Robinson remembers of Roy’s contributions to Peterborough. “He was always someone they could call, he really understood the concept of a community and that we’re better off together.”
Roy’s Market will be closed Friday, Dec. 2, from 10:30 to 12:30 so people can attend the celebration, as Robinson said it, of Albert Roy’s life.
A Mass will be held at 11 a.m. at Divine Mercy Parish, 12 Church St. Father Michael Taylor will be the celebrant. A reception will follow at Divine Mercy Parish.