Thomas James Roche Sr.

Mr. Thomas J. Roche Sr., 85 of South Yarmouth MA and formerly of Milford MA & Hopedale MA died Wednesday (September 18, 2024) at his residence surrounded by his loved ones. He was the beloved husband of Geraldine A. (Graves) Roche.

Tom was born in Milford MA, the  son of the late Thomas J. Roche and the late Angelina (Paccioretti) Roche. He attended schools in Milford MA, graduating from the former St. Mary’s High School, Class of 1957.

Following high school Tom proudly served 4 years in the US Marine Corps from 1957 to 1961, where he served as a military jet mechanic. Following that he became employed at the former Varney Bros. Concrete Company where he initially worked as a mechanic and later became a salesman for the company.

Later in life Tom used all of his experience to become a successful real estate developer. He also became a “Gunsmith” which he practiced as a past time.

Tom has been a resident of South Yarmouth MA for the past 28 years; and prior to that had resided in Hopedale MA, California and Milford MA.

Tom  was a Past-President of the Milford Lions Club; an active member of the Shriner’s from 1967 to 1987;  

a member of the Massachusetts State Gun Team; and had served as a member of the Zoning Board for the Town of Hopedale MA. As a resident of South Yarmouth MA he had served as Commodore of the Bass River Yacht Club and had started the Bass River Civic Association, to which he had served as President.

Along with his beloved wife of 63 years, he is survived by his 2 children: Thomas J. Roche Jr. and his wife Karen of Mendon MA and Deborah Covino and her husband Steven of Hopedale MA ; FL; his 6 grandchildren: Erin Counihan and her husband Joe of Jupiter FL, Kevin Roche and his wife Stephanie of Mendon MA, Kyle Covino and his wife Bethany of Bristol NH, Meaghan Roche of Jupiter FL, Kyle Covino and wife Bethany of Bristol NH, Madison Covino and her fiancee Tyler Yates of Mendon MA and Corey Covino of Hopedale MA; also  his 4 great grandchildren: Riley Counihan, Maeve Counihan, Cecilia Roche & Charlotte Covino.

Tom was the father of the late Karen E. Roche, who died in 2012.

In accordance with his wishes cremation will take place. A Private Funeral Service will be held at the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home, 44 Congress Street, Milford MA at the convenience of the family. There are no funeral home visiting hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The VWD Connect Foundation, 13710 Carlton Street, Wellington FL 33414    or @ www.vwdconnect.org/donate/

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