Patrick Edward Roche

Patrick E. Roche of The Villages, FL – a guy that found a way to always be surrounded by friends that he loved, kids that adored him and a supply of doting grandkids, passed away peacefully with family by his side on July 14 as his beloved New York Yankees played in the background. He was 87 years old. Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, he remained a full-time resident there until 2012 when he began life as a snowbird enjoying The Villages part time until 2018 when he joined his adoring wife of 7 years, Marian Roche as a full time Villages resident. While living in NY State, Patrick enjoyed a fulfilling career as an Optician and long tenured professor at Erie Community College. Patrick was a decades long member of Buffalo’s famous Blackthorn Club and served as President from 2004 – 2010. Patrick dutifully served his country in the US Army from 1955 to 1958. An avid golfer for over 7 decades, Patrick loved the links just about more than any place and took advantage of his time in the Villages playing courses near and far. He is preceded in death by his long-time sweetheart and wife of 49 years, Barbara Ann Roche and his eldest daughter Catherine “Kate” Kent. He is also preceded in death by his siblings Jack Roche, Anne Buckley and Kathleen Olds. Treasured father of Maureen Hector (Andrew) of Hamburg, NY; Patrick of Seattle, WA and Elizabeth Daley (Brian) of Buffalo, NY and Father n Law to Jeff Kent of Arlington, VA. Revered stepfather of Suzanne Knight and Thomas Savini. Adored grandfather of Christopher, Abby and Timothy Kent; Zachary and Lilly Hector; Owen and Riordan Roche and William and Kevin Daley. Cherished brother of Michael Roche of Blasdell, NY. Known for his BIG heart of gold, Patrick was also a weekly “slayer” of the Sunday NY Times crossword puzzle and was very well-known for enjoying his daily ice-cold Manhattan when “the sun was over the yard arm”. A myriad of persons from around town and around the country were lucky and privileged to call him FRIEND.