John Roche Obituary

It has almost been 1 year since you left earth. Not a day goes by that i don't think of you. Grandpa I can feel you around me in all that I do. Miss you so very much and will always feel blessed for all of the years we had with you.what an honor it is to be able to call you my grandpa. I LOVE YOU!

Happy Birthday
Chris

Merry Christmas in Heaven.
I miss you.

I REMEMBER

I remember shoulder rides to bed, tucking us in with wonderful bedtime stories.

I remember our beautifully polished loafers outside our bedroom door to greet us for the next day.

The 5 a.m. oatmeal, banana, and what ever else was in the refrigerator, breakfast so we wouldn't go to 7 a.m. swim practice hungry.

The laughter at the dinner table.

The never missing anything.

Always being there.

Always being so proud of all of us ( even if at times it wasn't warranted)
If I never did anything more than waitress, I would have been the best waitress in the world in you eyes.

I remember the Sundays and being the first car out of the parking lot after church.

The fun Sunday drives to Bessy and Dolly's for ice cream.

Our drives downtown through the inner city on a hot summer day to show us how other people lived.

You taught us compassion and thankfulness and to try to always find the good in everyone.

You have been my rock throughout my whole life.

Even at Mom's passing it was your strong arms that held me up.

How blessed I have been to go through life feeling so loved.

I love you Dad.

Debbie ( 1/10/2007)

My heart is heavy that sweet Jack is gone. We met making Return to Me several years ago. We were both dressed up for the ballroom scene and he walked right up to me with that twinkle in his eye and said, "may I have this dance?" During the next several days he learned of my sweet tooth and would pull a little Snickers out of his pocket for me. A lovely box of candy would arrive at my house for Christmas. The last lunch we had at his house this summer, he played the piano for me and even had some little gifts for my newest grandchild arriving in December. He was a true man of God, an old school gentleman with a sweetness and sincerity of spirit that is so rare. Our loss is heaven's fortune.

Whenever I would see John at Auditions or Union Meetings, he always had a welcoming smile on his face. Truly one of the nicest guys you'd ever want to meet. I'm glad he left us with his smile. He'll be missed by many of us in the Commercial, Film and Theatrical community.

As neighbors of Debbie (your daughter), we were first introduced to you and your late wife on one of your visits. I will always remember that "twinkle" in your eyes. Such a happy face and through the many years, getting to know you through Debbie has been a blessing. You were there when our Vanessa passed and had special things to say to us that gave us great comfort. Vanessa loved you too like another Grandpa. Even having you "autograph" the DVD Movie jacket of "Return to Me" in which you had a small part. (That movie opened up a whole new world of music to her).

The horse rides with Debbie and the girls were so entertaining, as she would have more funny stories and jokes you would have told her. We'd laugh and laugh. Your energy and dedication to your late wife, your children, grandchildren, and community you served is indeed incredible and admired by all who knew you.

May those who knew you, loved you, or were loved by you continue to remember you and live by your example and be inspired for a lifetime.

Jack Roche welcomed me to the the Pleasantview Fire Protection District by commenting on how lucky I was to be surrounded by the best organization in the world...I must say how lucky we were to have his embrace around us. RIP

We moved across the street from Jack 3 years ago. Our first day he walked over, welcomed us and brought us his famous carrot cake. From that day forward, he treated us like family, always checking on us to see if we needed anything.
Most recently, one of our cherished pets passed away. Jack noticed she hadn't been outside and called right away. Upon hearing the news, Jack sent a mass card, the poem "The Rainbow Bridge and brought over a special stuffed animal for our other dog so she wouldn't be so lonely. That's just how wonderful he was.
We will miss his frequent phone calls of just saying "hi" and his friendly wave and honk of his horn as he drove by.
With Love, The Branch Family
Jeff, Diane, Rylan, Taylor, & Morgan

Mr Roche, One of gods angles to walk among us you were truly a wonderful person. You have gone directly to heaven we will sorely miss your presence here on this earth you are now with your beloved wife Marie who you talked of so often. I will miss your smile your Jokes and your lovely way. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family. Lorraine Conway

Nov 2 2010 Jack was a true gentleman and a scholar. He always had a kind word for everybody.As everybody knows he had a great sense of humour. He loved ballroom dancing and will be sorely missed by his friends at the willowbrook.I shall miss him dearly.He was a good friend and mentor.There are not enough worrds to say what a great individual he was. John Simon

Jackie was always a considerate, respectful, true gentleman and exemplary booster of everyone around him. He went through a lot with his wife's unfortunate Alzheimers, and did her proud until she passed away. He was fun to work with and was always so complimentary and encouraging when we did little programs at the Pleasantdale Park District ages ago. A very handsome man all his life (which got him a lot of print ads), he never over promoted that facet of himself...he was instead a modest guy who always had a great joke or an interesting story to tell and was genuinely interested in YOU. What a lovely man...you will be MISSED, dear Jackie!

Love,

Gloria Montgomery

Dear Family of Jack, your Dad was the best friend my Dad could have ever asked for. Jack was loyal, caring, intelligent, full of fun. Recently, Jack told me this- Every day of life is another day closer to heaven. I thank God for loaning us Jack. Lorna Sipich Soules

Dear Roche Family, your Dad was one of the best friends my Dad could have ever asked for. Jack was loyal, loving, funny, bright. I will miss his words of wisdom & the twinkle in his eye. Recently he told me this- every day of life is another day closer to heaven. I thank God for lending us Jack. Lorna(Sipich)Soules

My heartfelt sympathies are with all of Jack's wonderful family, especially John, Cathy, Nancy and Debbie. Jack was a wonderful and unique person and always a joy to be around. He will be missed.
Love, Kristy Blaha

He always had a kind word, loved to joke and tell stories. I loved going to visit him and Aunt Marie when we were growing up. You will be missed! So until we meet again... Rest in Peace! Love Always, Barbara

With great sadness, we express our sincere sympathy to Jack's family and friends. We only knew Jack from talking to him on the phone when he requested prayer cards, but we always enjoyed hearing a joke and we looked forward to talking with him. His wonderful outlook on life was always up lifting. Rather than mourn his passing, we will celebrate his life and cherish his memory. We feel blessed to have had him touch our lives.
The Cenacle Prayer Office Staff, Cindy, Margaret and Janet

Jack was the best model, actor and gentleman I have ever represented. He was a delight to have on auditions and bookings and was held in high esteem by everyone. I was his agent for 22 yrs. He gave $5 to my kids for cookies, sent flowers, and books on sports (my children are top level athletes) and sent me Omaha steaks all the time. He knew how to thank someone for their work. An art that is all but forgotten in today's society. He called me the day before his operation to thank me for everything I ever did for him and to inform me of his surgery. I did not think it would be the last conversation I would ever have with him but what a class act he was to tie up all of his unfinished business just incase. All of us should do the same. I had a great time seeing him at my daughter's movie premiere. He was the most dapper man there. He will be remembered by me for eternity. Ann Emmrich (Agent/Owner-The Emmrich Agency)

You stole my heart and now you're gone. I will never forget you.
Thank you for being my friend.

Jack was a good friend of my mom and stepfather's and became a good friend to all our family. In fact, my mom and Jack's wife, Marie worked together for many years. We always loved it when Jack and Marie were part of our family get-togethers. Jack was a charming, interesting man...and a great story teller. He always liked to know what was going on in your life, as well as to share his latest adventure. He was at my mom's wake earlier this year, still full of life and compassion. He will be missed.
Maureen Blaha and Joe Morris

Grandpa