Jack E. Roach

After a life well-lived, with grace and courage, another of the greatest generation went to his reward on February 29, 2012.

Born November 27, 1921, in Kent, Ohio, Jack Emerson Roach was the third of nine children born to Frank and Mildred (Pyers) Roach. A Canal Fulton High School graduate, Jack enlisted in the Navy in World War II where he volunteered for submarine duty and saw extensive action in the Pacific theater. Returning stateside for repairs to his submarine caused by an extensive depth-charge attack, Jack married his sweetheart, Jeanetta Brown, on June 16, 1944. Following the war, Jack and Jeanetta settled in Canal Fulton, where Jack returned to work as a heating and air-conditioning serviceman for C.R. Kurtz, Inc., and later retired from Jim Kurtz Heating. A long-time member of St. John Lutheran Church, Canal Fulton, he was active in numerous church, community and school organizations and activities. He will be most remembered for his loyalty and love for his wife and family as well as his support and involvement in the education and interests of his children and grandchildren.

Jack is survived by his wife of nearly 68 years, Jeanetta; his children, Jacqueline and Jim McMillen, Denny and Cindy Roach, Deborah and Ken Blank; his grandchildren, Scott and Tiffany McMillen, Todd and Heather McMillen, Dianna and David McDowell, John and Chrissy Roach, Doug and Megan Blank, Derek and Colleen Blank; his great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Thomas McDowell; Hannah Park, Matthew, Mason, Luke, Jake, and Lizzie McMillen; Jack and Danny Roach; his siblings, Don and Florence Roach, Dale and Laura Roach, Glenda and Al Arnold, Ruth Ann and Dick Uhl; his brother-in-law, Jake Garman; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mildred (Pyers) Roach, and siblings, Thomas, Frances, Harold, and Herbert.

Funeral will be held 11 a.m. Monday, March 5, at St. John Lutheran Church, with Rev. Michelle Nicodemus officiating. Burial with Military Honors by VFW #9795 will follow at Canal Fulton Union Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, March 4 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Swigart-Easterling Funeral Home, 624 E. Cherry St. (Rt. 93, Canal Fulton). Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, 336 W. Market St., Box 311, Canal Fulton, OH 44614, or Barberton Hospice, 527 W. Tusc Ave., Barberton, OH 44203. (Swigart-Easterling, 330-854-2356)

www.swigarteasterlingfuneralhome.com