Steep Falls, Maine - Lance Melvin DeRoche, 75, passed peacefully at home surrounded by family on September 20, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born December 3, 1948, in Portland, Maine. He was the son of Lawrence J. DeRoche and Mary Christine Griffin DeRoche. He attended St. Dominic's School, King Jr. High School, Portland High School and graduated in 1968. He married two weeks after graduation on July 6, 1968, to the love of his life, Suzanne (Sue). They were married 56 years.
He started out as a bus boy at Vallee's Steak House and was the first garlic bread server. He wore a white cook's jacket & hat and went to every table serving fresh, hot garlic bread. He was a cook at Eastland Hotel and at the Village Cafe. He helped other smaller restaurants get their start or refine their recipes. He worked at Data General as a fabricator for the first industrial computers.
His hobbies included fishing, hunting, and traveling all over Maine and New England states. His favorite places were PEI and North Conway. He was a member of Standish Lions club, Buxton/Hollis Rod & Gun Club, and he was a lifetime member of the Standish Fire Dept., Station 3, in Steep Falls. Most of all he loved spending time with his family.
He is predeceased by his father, Lawrence, mother, Mary, sister, Nancy Coty, brother, Lawrence DeRoche, mother-in-law, Alvida Fogg & brother-in-law, Richard Fogg.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Suzanne; his son - Lance DeRoche & his wife Rebecca of Steep Falls: his daughter - Catherine Murray & her husband, William of Standish; grandchildren, Nicholas DeRoche of Steep Falls; Tyler Murray & his wife Jacinda of Lyman; and Eric Murray & his wife Kirby of Standish; three great grandchildren - Haven-May, Oakleigh Wren and Everett-John; brother-in-law - Dick Coty & his wife Karen of Lisbon Falls; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Friday Sept. 27th from 10-11 AM, followed by a memorial service at 11 AM at the Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, 71 Maple St., Cornish. Burial will then follow at Steep Falls Cemetery. Online condolence messages can be submitted at www.mainefuneral.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his name to the Steep Falls Library, PO Box 140, Steep Falls, ME 04085