Alan K. Roberts, 72, of Roslyn Heights, died on Jan. 15, 1999. Born in Union City, NJ, he was a Navy veteran of WWII stationed on the Iowa. He attended Pennsylvania University and St. John's University Law School, graduating in 1952. He was involved in the development of the modified cathode-ray tube used in the rocket-transported camera that took the first photograph of the Earth from space when he was working at Sylvania. He later practiced intellectual property law and became a chief partner in the firm of Roberts, Cohen and Spiecens where he represented international clients and worked on projects including the patenting of the first electronic mainframe computer. The firm merged with Ladas and Parry and Mr. Roberts was head of the patent-litigation department. He is survived by his wife, Shirlee; his children, Melissa and Jeffrey; and two grandchildren.

Mary Etta Kennedy was born on Sept. 22, 1922 in Simpson, NC to the late Charlie and Nolie Daniels Kennedy. Mary Etta, a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and a great-great-grandmother departed this life on Jan. 24, 1999 at Nassau County Medical Center Burn Unit in East Meadow.

Mary Etta was employed by Roslyn Public Schools for 26 years. She retired in July 1989. She was a faithful sister of the Jehovah Witness Fellowship. She will be remembered for her compassionate and loving smile. "Nana," as she was called by her grandchildren, loved her family dearly.

She leaves to mourn, two daughters, Darnell Kennedy-Calinda of Westbury and Eloise Clark of Roslyn Heights; one son, Kenneth Kennedy of Roosevelt; one son-in-law, Walter Clark of Roslyn Heights; four sisters, Velma Hardy of Simpson, NC, Jessie Bell, Martha Dixon and Lizzie Tilley of Greenville, NC; two brothers, Joe W. Kennedy and Ernest Kennedy of Greensboro, NC, and the late Jimmy Lee Kennedy. She leaves five grandchildren; five great-grandsons; and a great-great-granddaughter, all of whom she cherished. She had a very special friend, Mrs. Angeonell Matthews of the Bronx, who was like a daughter. Also she leaves to mourn a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Arrangements were made by the Roslyn Heights Funeral Home. Funeral services.

Helen M. Travis, formerly of Roslyn Heights and Mineola, died on Jan. 24, 1999. Wife of the late William J. Sr. Mother of William J. Travis. Sister of Marie Azzeroni, Ruth Soley and John W. Krafjack. Grandmother of Lynn and Brian. Arrangements were made by the Massapequa Funeral Home. Mass at St. Rose of Lima RC Church. Interment Holy Rood Cemetery.