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Chief Roche is survived by his wife of 40 years, Patricia (Hance) Roche, and their four children: Amanda Almstead and her husband, Brett; Megan Roche; Michael Roche and Steve Roche; his two granddaughters, Marin and Sydney Almstead; and his brother, William Roche and sister, Sharon Angyal.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, Sept. 6 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah St. in Ridgefield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, Sept. 7 at 10:15 a.m. at St. Mary's Church; 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery; 110 North Street, Ridgefield.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Ridgefield Police Fund, 76 East Ridge Road, Ridgefield, CT 06877
Roche was born on September 22, 1955 in Rockville Centre; raised in Little Neck, New York; son of the late Edward and Emmy Roche.
John met his wife, high school sweetheart, and best friend Patty in Manhasset. In 1980 they settled down in Ridgefield to start a family. John passionately pursued a career as a police officer and his dream to be Chief.
Roche's career as a police officer began in Morris County, New Jersey, where he served as a patrolman. He then moved to the Ridgefield Police Department, making his way through the ranks before being named Chief. His extensive list of Police accolades includes being a graduate of Class #172 of the FBI National Academy, and Ridgefield Police Officer of the Year in 1983. Chief Roche proudly served the community he loved.
As a respected member of the Ridgefield community, Roche was a baseball coach, Assistant Scout Master, a parishioner of St. Mary Church, a member of the Rotary Club, and countless town and community committees.
In his personal time he enjoyed fishing, hiking, working around the house, being with his granddaughters, and most of all, traveling and spending time with his wife.
To his family he was the stoic father, handyman, mechanic, philosopher, comedian, artist, and go to guy for questions big and small, always there to lend his guidance, his time, and a helping hand at a moment's notice. Above all, he loved his family.
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