Family Owned and Operated Since 1957
Roche, Patrick E.

Roche, Patrick E.

Born: 22 February 1935

Died: 14 July 2022

Patrick E. Roche, South Buffalo native and most recently of The Villages, FL – a guy that found a way to always be surrounded by friends that he loved, kids that adored him and a supply of doting grandkids, passed away peacefully with family by his side on July 14 as his beloved New York Yankees played in the background.  He was 87 years old.

Born in St. Teresa’s Parish, South Buffalo, Patrick attended St. Teresa’s from kindergarten through eighth grade and then onto Bishop Timon where he graduated in 1952.  After dutifully serving his country in the US Army, Patrick returned to Buffalo and attended Erie County Technical Institute graduating with a degree and certification in Ophthalmic Dispensing.  He later completed his Bachelors of Science degree from Buffalo State College.

Patrick and his new wife Barbara left Buffalo for Plattsburg, NY where he opened his own Optical Shop and became very active with the local Jaycee’s eventually becoming President.  After moving back to Buffalo with his young family, he was hired as a Professor of Opthalmic Dispensing at Erie Community College, North Campus where he stayed until his retirement in 1996.  Throughout his tenure at ECC, Patrick maintained his dispensing practice with a long time office at his home on Cazenovia Street in South Buffalo, eventually opening an Optical shop in West Seneca, he closed out his dispensing career at Buffalo Optical. 

A long time President of the NY State Society of Opticians, he was also active and President of the Men’s Sustaining Society of Mercy Hospital.  Patrick was a decades long member of Buffalo’s famous Blackthorn Club and served as President from 2004 – 2010. Numerous other organizations could count on him for his time and talent throughout the years.

In 2013, he took on the role as a snowbird, spending his winters in The Villages, FL where he golfed incessantly – one of his truest passions.  For over 7 decades, Patrick made the links his second home.  Whether near or far, WNY or Florida, there wasn’t a golf course out of his reach.

It was in The Villages, FL where he met up with a long time family friend and South Buffalo neighbor Marian MacDonald.  The two married and enjoyed over 7 great years together traveling around the US and Europe and relaxing together in Florida. 

He is preceded in death by his long-time sweetheart and wife of 49 years, Barbara Ann Roche and his eldest daughter Catherine “Kate” Kent.  He is also preceded in death by his siblings Jack Roche, Anne Buckley and Kathleen Olds. 

Treasured father of Maureen Hector (Andrew) of Hamburg, NY; Patrick of Seattle, WA and Elizabeth Daley (Brian) of Buffalo, NY and Father n Law to Jeff Kent of Arlington, VA and Jennifer Roche of Sammamish, WA.  Revered stepfather of Suzanne Knight and Thomas Savini.  Adored grandfather of Christopher, Abby and Timothy Kent; Zachary and Lilly Hector; Owen and Riordan Roche and William and Kevin Daley as well as numerous step-grand and great grandchildren. Cherished brother of Michael Roche of Blasdell, NY.

Known for his BIG heart of gold, Patrick was also a weekly “slayer” of the Sunday NY Times crossword puzzle and was very well-known for enjoying his daily ice-cold Manhattan when “the sun was over the yard arm”.  A myriad of persons from around town and around the country were lucky and privileged to call him FRIEND. 

Friends may call Wednesday, August 10th, 4-8 pm.

A Memorial Mass will be said Thursday, August 11, at Queen of  Angels Church, Lackawanna at 10:00 am

Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School or Mt. Mercy Academy.

13 Comments

  • Karen Forhan Posted July 22, 2022 10:48 am

    Mr. Roche was one of my favorite professors and was always very patient and informative for me. he also taught me to like a good manhattan. He was the best coach for the college bowl as well. I will always treasure my time with you sir!

  • Kathy Ferro Posted July 22, 2022 12:44 pm

    Mr Roche was a memorable and excellent professor. He brought practicality to our jobs. We are forever grateful for his mentorship.

  • Terry L Johnson Posted July 22, 2022 1:23 pm

    Mr. Roche was my most memorable instructor at ECC 73-75. Not only a good teacher, but had a way to be friends with his students without losing his authority. Sorry to see him pass. Truly enjoyed the road trips and nights out with him and our group from ECC.

  • Sam Krugolets Posted July 22, 2022 1:33 pm

    He was a great teacher and a wonderful person.
    I graduated in 1981 from college and we stayed in touch for a while.
    He will be missed!
    RIP and play more golf in heaven!!🙏🙏

  • Brenda Schaar Posted July 23, 2022 6:39 am

    My deepest sympathy to Mr. Roche’s family. He was a wonderful man and great teacher at ECC.
    Many of us from the class of 1979 have fond memories of him.

  • Howard peckler Posted July 23, 2022 8:25 pm

    I feet that Patrick Roche was a terrific professor at ECC… He instilled a sense of professionalism in his students and myself for certain.. I ran into several times later on when I was active in NYSSO.. i was happy to find out that he was a fellow Yankee fan… He will be missed by all.. From class of 1973.

  • ROBERT CHIARMONTE Posted July 25, 2022 12:55 pm

    So sad to hear about Pat, I always appreciated his sense of humor in and out of the classroom. He was a great teacher and always made his lessons fun! Rest in peace! Class of 1981.

  • Gaeton Di Buono Posted August 3, 2022 10:03 am

    I have no doubts that when you reach the pearly gates St Peter will allow you in with your Manhattan fixings. Ciao Patsy my friend.

  • Judith Etopio Smith Posted August 7, 2022 6:39 am

    I am saddened to hear of Mr. Roche’s passing. He was one of my favorite instructors at ECC, class of ’78.

  • Robert O’Leary Posted August 7, 2022 1:31 pm

    Went to Timon with Pat same class 52, seen him a few times through the years, last time about 15 yrs. ago. Always friendly with a how are you doing. He was a nice guy, sorry about his passing. Bob O’Leary

  • Loretta Hughes Posted August 7, 2022 3:34 pm

    Pat was a great Roanoke Pkwy neighbor, and later optician. My deep sympathy to his family.

  • Michael Zimmer (Diane in Spirit) Posted August 8, 2022 4:53 pm

    Dear Marian: Pat’s assignment on this mortal coil, having g been completed now returns to the Lord. God’s plan intended you both to be espoused as a time of grace for a life well lived. Faith guarantees our joyful reunion at the table of the Lord What a celebration that will be…Shalom

  • Jerry Schneggenburger Posted August 11, 2022 10:22 am

    My sympathy to Pat’s family. Pat was one the best examples of giving back to Church,Country and his Community. I was fortunate to serve with him on
    The NYS Society of Opticians and their state wide board. .We had many fun times at NYSOD’s annual meetings with his Pat and wife Barb in the Adirondacks Pat always referred to his wife as Lucky! Lastly I was fortunate to work personally for many years at Buffalo Optical. RIP Pat🙏🏻

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