He was born in North Java on January 19, 1938, son of the late Charles F. and Alice Schier Roche.
He served in the National Guard for six years obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant and completed his infantry training at Fort Dix, NJ and Fort Bliss, TX.
After military service, he worked for Charles Kerwin Construction for 5 years. Then employed by Trojan Industries, a heavy equipment company for 28 years in Batavia. He then worked for Bennett Manufacturing Company in Alden, NY for six years before retiring. After that he worked for 10 years part time as a security guard at the Veterans State Nursing Home in Batavia.
He belonged to the North Java Fire Co for 45 years and was an avid baseball player for the town of Java and a long time Bowler. He spent several years coaching minor league and little league baseball in Batavia.
As a long time member of the American Legion Post #637 in Strykersville he held many offices including three year Commander. He was a three-time Wyoming County Commander, and 8th District Aide as well as Sergeant-at-Arms for the Department of New York in 2009.
Surviving are his two sons, Dr. Charles L. (Stacey) Roche of Buffalo and Thomas (Elizabeth) Roche of Suwanee, GA and six grand children. Five sisters, Mary Borek of Florida, Rita Marvin of Tennessee, Rowena (Norm) Gerhardt of Marilla, Ann (Ken) Bush of Chili Center, and Theresa (Don) Simons of Strykersville, along with several nieces and nephews and special friend Joan Smith. He was the brother of the late Francis, Robert, Vincent, Donald and Florence (Leo) Bauer.
Calling hours will be from 5-8 PM on Wednesday October 29, 2014 at the Marley Funeral Home in Attica, 135 Main St. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Thursday October 30, 2014 at the Holy Family Church in North Java (formerly St. Nicholas) 4316 Route 98 North Java, NY 14113. Burial will be in St. Nicholas Cemetery North Java.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to The American Heart Association www.donate.heart.org/. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.
