Martin Roche, 79
Dateline: Mansfield, MA
Martin Roche, age 79, of Mansfield, formerly of Norwood passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2013 at the Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro. He was the beloved husband of Mary T. (Flaherty) Roche to whom he was wed on September 3, 1958.
Born in Kilkenny City, Ireland on February 14, 1934, he was a son of the late Thomas and Lena (Buggy) Roche. He grew up and was educated in Kilkenny, Ireland.
At the age of 16 he began a career as a painter in Ireland and England. In 1959 he moved to the United States and settled in Norwood.
Martin proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged from the service on February 5, 1962 with the rank of Private First Class.
Mr. Roche returned to his civilian career as a painter and prior to retiring had worked 40 years for Local Union 1963 Nordstrom in Newton.
A resident of Mansfield for the past 35 years, Martin was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Mansfield. He was a renown, award winning homing pigeon enthusiast, a hobby which provided his family great enjoyment while growing up and lifelong happy memories.
Martin’s family was truly the focal point of his life. He especially enjoyed the wonderful times spent with his grandchildren and the many summers he shared with family on beautiful Cape Cod.
In addition to his beloved wife of 55 years, he is survived by his devoted children, Patricia A. Phelan and her husband Tim of Dennis and Joseph M. Roche and his wife Joanne of Mansfield. He was the cherished grandfather of Christopher and Matthew Phelan, and Brendan, Conor, Ryan and Chiara Roche. He is also survived by his sisters and brothers, Maura O’Brien, Eileen Tynan, Phyllis Lacy, Patricia Corr and Thomas Roche all of Ireland, Joseph Roche of Canada and the late Rita Phelan, as well as many nieces and nephews.
His funeral Mass, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 23rd at 9:00 A.M. in St. Mary’s Church, 330 Pratt St. (Route 106) Mansfield. Burial with military honors will follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne at 11:15 A.M.
Visiting hours have been omitted and the Roche family has requested that in place of flowers, donations in Martin’s memory be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, Massachusetts Chapter, 72 East Concord St., C3, Boston, MA 02118.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home, 55 North Main St., Mansfield.
To send the Roche family a message of condolence, please visit www.shermanjackson.com