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Michael Roche Obituary

Roche, Michael "Mike" Brian Died suddenly on February 25, 2018, six weeks after the death of his beloved wife of 47 years, Mary Kathleen "Kathy" Roche. Loving father of Michael (Megan) Roche, Kevin (Laura) Roche, and Maura "Molly" (Dawn Walsh) Roche; much loved grandfather of Jack, Margaret, Dennis, Claire, and Colin Roche; dear brother of Kathleen "Lolly" Petrillo; deeply loved brother-in-law of Thomas (the late Mary Pat) McGuire, Carol McGuire, Michael McGuire, Sheila (Thomas) Hansen, and Jean (Timothy) Quinn; kind and generous uncle of 16 nieces and nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, the late John P. and Mary Kay Roche, and his parents-in-law, the late Thomas J. and Marguerite McGuire. A graduate of Notre Dame High School in Niles, Mike received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Notre Dame and was proud to be a "Triple Domer" and loyal son of Notre Dame. He served on the Board of Directors of Notre Dame High School and was an original inductee into the school's Hall of Honors. He also served on the Alumni Board of the University of Notre Dame and was a past President of the Notre Dame Club of Chicago. Mike practiced law for more than 50 years with Schuyler, Roche & Crisham, P.C., and its predecessors, heading up the firm's Business Litigation practice as a nationally known securities and commodities litigator. While Mike loved the law, he also loved sports and played 16-inch softball for almost his entire legal career with the Grant Park Lawyers League, serving as Commissioner for 10 years, and sustaining more than a few injuries. He was a diehard fan of Notre Dame football and the Chicago White Sox. A man of deep faith, Mike was a member of the fundraising committee for St. Mary of the Lake Seminary and of the Board of Directors for the Jesuit Retreat League. With his lifelong best friend, Phil Zera, he organized an annual men's retreat at Bellarmine Hall in Barrington for almost 40 years. In 2013, Mike read about Dr. Patrick Angelo's delivery of meals to the homeless living on Lower Wacker. Mike contacted Dr. Angelo and joined the delivery team, delivering meals every Thursday night, often accompanied by his grandson Jack. Helping the homeless became Mike's passion and mission in life. Mike was a loving and loyal friend to all who knew him. As the angels triumphantly lead him home to be reunited with Kathy and see the beautiful face of God, a celebration of Mike's life will include a visitation, Sunday, March 4, 2018, 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Funeral Monday, March 5, 2018 9:15 a.m., from at Donnellan Family Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Boulevard, at Old Orchard Road, Skokie, IL 60077 to St. Joan of Arc Church, 9248 N. Lawndale Avenue, Evanston, Mass 10:00 a.m., followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery, 301 Chicago Ave., Evanston. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to: Little Sisters of the Poor, 2325 N. Lakewood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614 or Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House Attn.: Kathryn L. Caudill, Development Director, 420 W. County Line Rd., Barrington, IL 60010. qInfo: (847) 675-1990 or www.donnellanfuneral.com



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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Mar. 2, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Roche

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Jamie Toohey

April 17, 2018

To All The Roache Family,
I just heard of Mike's death at Mass as Fr. Ray Klees featured Mike's life story in his Sunday homily. My condolences to all of you. Mike and I were fellow ND grads, litigators, and long-time competitors in the Grant Park 16-inch Lawyers' Softball League. I was present the night he was carted to the hospital with a softball career-ending injury and continued to play against his Schuyler Roche team, which featured another fellow ND grad Terry Leonard, until my 70th birthday. I have heard many stories of kindness and assistance Mike has provided to so many over his extraordinarily fruitful life. He was a beacon of light and will be missed.
Jamie Toohey

Seth Mindel

March 15, 2018

I didn't know Mike but after seeing his story on the news, I felt compelled to learn more about this amazing man. What a selfless and kind act he did in helping the homeless. May his memories be a blessing, I certainly won't forget his story.

John Plante

March 10, 2018

I only heard about this when my Brother Bill mentioned it as having come a friend of his. So sorry to read this This is a lot to take in may fond memories ease the grief .

Larry & Sue McPartlin

March 4, 2018

Michael, Kevin and Molly,
We were deeply saddened to hear about your Mom and now your Dad. We have such fond memories of your family at the resort in Land O'Lakes. Lots of great times were spent in conversations. Larry always enjoyed talking about ND sports. The Bellarmine retreat at the end of January 2018 was very special. Larry will never forget Mike's talk to the retreatants. We pray that he and Kathy are having a great time in heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Roche and McGuire families. Go Irish!

John Pembroke

March 4, 2018

My condolences to the Roche family. Too short a time here on earth.

Pat Ellington

March 4, 2018

Michael, Kevin and Maura

So very sorry at the loss of your Dad. He was a great man and a good friend to many. May he Rest In Peace

Angie Guinn

March 3, 2018

Dear Roche and McGuire Families,

May this Irish poem bring you comfort. Those we love don't go away, They walk beside us every day, Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and yet very dear. Mike B. has many legacies, but to me the one that stands out the most will always be his sense of humor. May those warm, funny, and touching memories bring you comfort during these trying times.

March 2, 2018

May you find comfort from the encouraging words found at 1THESSALONIANS 4:14

Nancy VanUum Langworthy

March 2, 2018

Dear Michael , Kevin and Molly,
So shocked and saddened to hear about both of your parents . I knew your special mom due to Saint Mary of the Woods College and when they moved into St Joan of Arc. I admired your dad tremendously. The neighborhood won't be the same.
I now live in Cincinnati and she would always keep me informed about mutual friends. God bless you and hang on to
all the precious memories!

ann (fairman) searles

March 2, 2018

Such a hard thing to lose both parents so close together. I remember all the Roche family from New England Village days. A joy to have known such a great family. You have my deepest sympathy.

Brian Duffy

March 2, 2018

To the Roche and McGuire families,
My condolences, I had met Mike on more than a few occasions and was always struck by the fact that
when he was talking with you he always made you
feel as if you were the only one in the room. Just a really nice guy that made an impact in life. He was also a living testament to Kathy's excellent taste in men . I will keep them and you all in my prayers.

Peter Mone

March 2, 2018

I practiced law in the same building where Mike practiced and played Lawyers League 16 against his team for 16 years. He was a fierce competitor but exhibited the highest degree of sportsmanship and always had that broad Irish smile. As a fellow trial lawyer, I admired Mike as one of the very best. May God welcome him into heaven with open arms.

Mary Ellen Woods

March 2, 2018

To Maura, Michael and Kevin,
I know your dad through the ND Club of Chicago. His gifts were many. I am so sorry for your losses.

Frank Zaffere

March 2, 2018

My deepest condolences to all of Mike's family. He was a good man and a great friend. May his soul rest in peace. Frank Zaffere

David and Althea

March 2, 2018

Dear Maura, Michael and Kevin we are so sorry to hear about your Dad and offer our deepest condolences to the family. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time 1 Thessalonians 4:14

Mike McGuire

March 1, 2018

R.I.P. Rock.
He was as good a person as I've ever known.

March 1, 2018

My prayers and sympathy
Sister Marion O'Connor,OP

Linda Pizzato

March 1, 2018

We are so so sorry to hear of his sudden passing. How tragic and sad for all of you. Hugs, and our sincerest condolences.
Mark and Linda Pizzato and Family

Cynthia Scarpaci

March 1, 2018

I'm so saddened to hear about Mike's passing and my thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time. I worked with Mike for several years at SRC and until recently, sat outside of his office. I could have been intimidated by that, but not with Mike. Mike was kind, generous and compassionate and sure did dote on his little dog, which I got a real kick out of. Mike was such a gentleman, and always gracious and approachable to all of his employees, despite being our boss. I know he will be sorely missed by all whose lives he's touched.

Sandra Schuessler

March 1, 2018

Sad time for the Roche/McGuire family

Sheila and Tom Hansen

March 1, 2018

A beautiful tribute to a great guy, who will be missed by so many people! Prayers being said for all of us! Fr. Hesburgh was quoted as saying that the most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother. Rocky did love Kathy, so there is some comfort that they are once again together. Will miss them both tremendously.

Linda Weaver

March 1, 2018

In an email exchange two weeks ago, Mike told me that at one retreat someone asked the Director, "Does God grade on a curve?" No matter how God grades, I'm sure Mike will be just fine! What a nice soul.

February 28, 2018

Will miss Mike whom I have known since my days at NDU, class of 1964, and Kathy, along with Mike were frequent visitors at parties at the "Worry Free" apartment, a 1930's Speakeasy. We connected again when our daughters were at Regina at the same time, albeit in different classes.

May you both rest in peace.

Paul and Pat Basbagill

bill sanneman

February 28, 2018

RIP Mike. We went to ND for 7 yrs together. What a fun person to be around. One of the funniest and nicest persons you could meet. And a storyteller like no other.
I remember well the St. Pats day he spray painted me green.
My condolences to the family on the loss of a great guy. The memories will remain.

Arthur Smith

February 28, 2018

Mike and I started our long friendship at Notre Dame and were roommates our sophomore year. He was true and generous pal for all these years. My heart is grieving as he joins Kathy and my wife Judy in Heaven. I treasure the memories of the good times we shared. God keep you Mike. My condolences to his wonderful family.

Beny Ayala

February 28, 2018

I will always remember Mike for being a great boss and caring individual who took the time each year to reflect on his spiritual connection with his God and faith and went out of his way to help the less fortunate. I admired that about him. His absence will certainly be noticed.

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Memorial Events
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Mar

4

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Donnellan Family Funeral Services

10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077

Mar

5

Funeral

9:15 a.m.

Donnellan Family Funeral Services

10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077

Mar

5

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

St. Joan of Arc Church

9248 North Lawndale Avenue, Evanston, IL

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Donnellan Family Funeral Services

10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077

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