Leo F. Roche Jr. died May 27 at Massachusetts General Hospital surrounded by his family. Leo had a variety of illnesses and surgeries over the past many years, which he faced with resolve to get better and with acceptance of the outcome.
Born June 8, 1925 in Concord, NH to the late Leo F. Roche Sr. & Ethel C. (Toomey) Roche, he is survived by his children Terry Roche, Karen Cosgrove & husband Rees, Beth Roche-Johnston & husband Tom, Chip Roche & wife Lynne & John Roche & wife Laura. He is also survived by grandchildren Kate, Lilla & Martha Cosgrove of Winchester, MA, Ben, Emily, Heather & Tucker Johnston of Hingham, MA, Katherine & Elizabeth Roche of Yarmouth, ME & Morgan, Will & Carolyn Roche of West Hartford Ct. His sister, Mary Elizabeth Sullivan of Waltham, MA survives him, as well as his sisters-in-law Barbara Manning Roche of Mansfield, MA. & Margaret Walsh Leader of Winchester, MA. He has many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Paul D. Roche of Mansfield, MA. and sisters & brothers-in-law Andrea & John Walsh of West Medford, MA, Anne & John Driscoll of Woburn, MA, Leonard Leader of Winchester, MA and Charles M. Sullivan of Bangor, ME.
He grew up in Allston, graduating from English High School of Boston in 1942 and Boston College in 1946 with a major in Economics. His years at BC were interrupted when he joined the Navy at the end of his freshman year. He was selected to join the Navy’s V-12 officer training program and was sent to Holy Cross. After completing his sophomore year he was accepted into the V-1 program and was to be transferred to Northwestern University for further study after completion of a three-month midshipmen program and receiving his commission as an Ensign. During the midshipmen program it was discovered that he had a heart murmur and after 6 weeks of medical evaluation, he was medically discharged, something he was not happy about. He was later called up, but was again passed over due to the heart murmur.
Leo graduated from BC and proceeded onto BC Law. He was a member of the Mass Bar Association for more than 50 years.
Leo worked for American Mutual Insurance Company for 20 plus years before starting in private practice in 1977 culminating in the formation of Roche & Heifetz. He was a skilled and respected negotiator.
He married Mary Martha Walsh in 1952, settled in Winchester and raised 5 children there. Mary & Leo were married for 60 years June 28, 2012. Mary passed on in Dec. 11, 2012.
Leo & Mary were active members of St Mary's Parish of Winchester, MA for decades. Participating in the Teams of Mary, the Mr. & Mrs. Club & the annual Turkey Shoot. Leo was a very good athlete participating in ice skating and working at the Boston Skating Club during high school and college. Skiing, boating (particularly sailing), tennis, golf & dancing were his passions. He glided around the room with grace & ease. He & Mary danced in many Winton Club Shows and won several awards for their waltzes. He played golf for 20 plus years with a group of guys that traveled to Myrtle Beach each spring. They were fun, supportive, creative & caring. He sailed in Pocasset, MA, at the Winchester Boat Club & at the Cottage Park Yacht Club in Winthrop, MA. He skied at Moose Mt. in Brookfield, NH & Loon Mt. in Lincoln, NH.
He was bound and determined to have a vacation home for his family & purchased their first in 1952 in Humarock, then Dennis, & finally spent over 30 years in Pocasset. He built the first house in Pocasset, built & rebuilt car & boat engines, fixed & built boats, skis, anything in the house or yard. When he wasn't out on the water his favorite thing was to watch the ships and boats in Buzzards Bay from the porch. He truly believed he could accomplish anything as long as he could get a book on it. He held various positions at the Winchester Public Library, ending up as a trustee for many years. He thoroughly enjoyed the work & the friendship he formed while there.
He taught his children to meet any challenge with conviction even if they didn't feel confident. He led with a positive attitude and quiet satisfaction. If he was going to rake leaves or mow the lawn or paint boats you wanted to go with him because you didn’t want to miss out on whatever he was doing. His philosophy was if you wanted to do something, get going, do it, and take advantage of everything offered whether or not anyone else wanted to do it. He did.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather at Costello Funeral Home, 177 Washington St., Winchester on Sat. June 1st at 10AM, followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church 155 Washington St., Winchester at 11AM. Visiting hours will be held in the funeral home on Friday from 4-8PM. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Winchester Public Library www.winpublib.org