Joseph W. Roche Sr., a 12 year resident of Malden and former 74 year resident of Charlestown, died on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at Winchester Hospital in Winchester following an extended illness. He was 86 years old.
Joe was born in Boston and grew up in Charlestown where he attended the Boston School system. He enlisted into the United States Army in 1943 and while serving his country proudly and honorably during World War II, he was wounded in action in Europe and recieved the Purple Heart and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon. He was discharged in in 1946. Joe worked for more than 35 years in the maintenance division for The United States Postal Service at their Chelsea and Union Square, Somerville branches. He was a member of The James A. Logan Post # 6800, V.F.W. and the South Boston D.A.V. Chapter.
Joe is the beloved husband of 58 years to Gertrude (McCormick) Roche. He is the devoted father of Joseph W. Roche Jr. and his wife Mary of Medford, Marianne Hudd and her husband Michael of Malden and Thomas E. Roche and his wife Cindy of California. He is the loving grandfather of Maureen and Jeffrey Ruscio, Joseph Roche, Michael and Erin Hudd, Allyson Roche, Michelle Hudd, Caitlin and Julie Roche and great-grandfather of Brianna Dacey and Aaron Ruscio. He is the beloved brother of John Roche of Stoneham & Medford and the late Edward Roche, Anna Scanlan, Henry and Thomas Roche. He is also the beloved uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Joe's Funeral on Saturday, November 26, 2011 at 9 a.m. from The Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown followed by his Funeral Mass in St. Francis De Sales Church, 313 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown at 10 a.m. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden. Visiting hours in the funeral home on Friday, November 25, 2011 from 4 to 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Joe's name to St. Francis De Sales Church Building Fund, 303 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown, Mass. 02129 or The Charlestown Boys and Girls Club, 15 Green St. Charlestown, Mass. 02129.