Robert K. Roche Sr.

Robert K. Roche, Sr., 83, of Merrimack died August 19, 2017 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Waltham, MA on October 18, 1933, son of the late Maybelle (Brown) Bock and William Roche, Sr. He graduated from Waltham High School class of 1951, Bryant & Stratton College of Accounting in 1955, and Rivier University in Nashua in 1980.

Mr. Roche was a career U.S. Air Force Veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars. He served as an air traffic controller and retired in 1973 with 21 years of service. His numerous decorations included the Bronze Star, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and V for Valor, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross for service in Vietnam in 1967-68. He as also awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for his service at Pease AFB from 1969 – 1973. He was subsequently employed by the Federal Aviation Administration for 20 years in various New England Region air traffic facilities and Regional Headquarters in Burlington, MA.

Robert was an avid sports enthusiast and particularly loved the game of golf. He was an adult Boy Scout leader at Pease AFB for four years and participated in the Little League baseball program for 10 years at Pease and in Merrimack, NH as a manager and umpire.

He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, the Air Force Sergeants Association, U.S. Golf Association, National Association of Retired Federal Employees, the Sampson AFB Veterans Association, the National Rifle Association, and the AF Communicators & Air Traffic Controllers Association.

Along with his parents, Robert was pre-deceased by his six siblings, Elizabeth Scalise, Dorothy Hall, William, Jr., Paul, Lewis and David Roche.

Surviving members of his family include his loving wife of 62 years, Jacqueline (Craig) Roche; four sons Robert Roche, Jr., Kevin Roche and his wife Amber, Mark Roche, and Terry Roche and his wife Lisa; four grandchildren, Craig, Korey and his bride to be Katy Flynn, Trevor and Tyler, and two daughters-in-law, Cathie Galica and Pamela Rand.

A graveside service will be held at the New Hampshire State Veteran’s Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen on Thursday August 31st at 1:30 PM, followed by a gathering at the VFW, 282 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack at 3 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Robert’s memory to the Salvation Army, Rivier University or the Jimmy Fund.

To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit rivetfuneralhome.com.