Theodore E. Roche III

Theodore E. Roche III 77, of Indio, CA passed away unexpectedly on Saturday November 29, 2008. He was born in San Francisco on July 13, 1931, a son of Theodore J. Roche Jr. and Kathryn M. Roche. He married Karen Harrison on May 9, 1981. Ted is survived by his beloved wife Karen of 27 years; as well as two sons, Theodore K. Roche IV (Carolyn) of Santa Barbara, CA, and Christopher E. Roche of West Hills, CA; one daughter, Andrea J. Allred of St George, UT; two stepdaughters Jamie Hirsch (Mark) of Yorba Linda, CA; Janet Lonich (Mike) of San Clemente, CA; one sister, Ruth Dull of Auburn, CA; four brothers: Robert B. Roche of Lafayette, CA, Randall H. Roche, S.J. of Los Angeles, CA; Donald J. Roche of Los Altos, CA, and Jerry Roche of Fountain Valley, CA. Other survivors include his grandchildren Chae, Alaina, Bailey and Colby Allred; Shaun and Kellie Roche; Lia, Stephen and Kristen Lonich and Mary Jane, Kyle and Casey Hirsch. Ted is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and dear friends. Ted was raised in San Francisco, CA. He graduated from Tamalpais School for Boys in 1950 and later attended the University of San Francisco. He served in the US Army as a member of the Anti Aircraft Missile Battalion (NIKE) and also was a member of the US Naval/Air Reserve Unit. He started his working career in the auto industry as a salesman for the family owned Roche's Lincoln Mercury Dealership in North Hollywood, CA. He continued in sales most of his working life where he won numerous awards and accolades for outstanding sales. Ted was a longtime member of the SF Olympic Club, an accomplished athlete all through school, and an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. However his passion as an adult was golf. He and his wife Karen are members of the Shadow Hills Country Club, Indio, CA, where they played in numerous tournaments with their friends and co-members. Ted's proudest moments were speaking about the many accomplishments of his family and especially of his grandchildren. Ted will be dearly missed by all that knew him. He was a member of the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in La Quinta, CA. The Funeral Services will include a Viewing and Prayer Service on Friday, December 5, 2008 located at the FitzHenry Chapel, 82-975 Requa Ave, Indio, CA 92201, with family viewing from 4:00 to 5:00 PM; friends viewing from 5:00 to 8:00 PM and a Prayer Service and Celebration of Ted's life open to all commencing at 6:30 PM. A Resurrection Mass will be held at 11 A.M. on Saturday, December 6, 2008 at the FitzHenry Chapel, where Father Randall Roche S. J. will officiate. A reception will follow at the Roche residence 40456 Camino Montecito Indio, CA 92203. Burial Services will take place on Monday, December 8, 2008 at 11:00 AM at the Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial contributions be made to either of the two following charities: The Center for Ignatian Spirituality, 1 LMU Drive, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90045 or the Bea Main Learning Center (for underprivileged children) Make donations out to: Sr. Gabi Williams, OP, 82870 Yosemite Dr., Indio, CA 92203.