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BORN
1938
DIED
2021
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Thomas Roche Obituary
1938-Feb. 5, 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas (Tom) Roche, from COVID-19 complications. He was 82 years old.
Tom's life began in Albany, New York, he was the son of Virginia Easterly and Thomas Francis Roche. He joined the Air Force in 1955 and worked as an aircraft hydraulic mechanic. During his time in the Air Force, he found his lifelong passion with flight. He met and married Tanya L. Browning and they went on to have 48 beautiful years and four daughters together. Tom worked for Martin Marietta and eventually retired from Motorola where he was a successful plastics engineer.
Most people knew that Tom was an intelligent and capable man who loved to problem solve and often found unconventional solutions to problems great and small. He had a wicked sense of humor and was a gregarious man who felt comfortable speaking to anyone.
He was an avid pilot and loved everything about avionics. He had a hanger at Falcon Field in Mesa, AZ since the early 80's and had many friends there that he would spend hours with swapping stories and helping each other, he dearly loved his Falcon Field Friends. Tom stayed fit by playing handball at multiple venues where he played with some of the best! He loved the game and was very competitive. He loved to travel going as far as China and loved fishing in Mexico with his friends.
He is survived by his daughters, Tanya (John Perez), Tam, Tara (Dean Swanson), Tracy (Bradley John), his sister Virginia Shays and his 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Virginia and Thomas he is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Tanya Lane Roche.
No formal services will be held per his wishes. He will have his ashes spread in a beautiful spot where his wife awaits him. In lieu of flowers donations are being accepted by a Falcon Field organization called Grounded No More Veteran Flight. Tony Anger will have a memorial flight for him and will film it and post it to their Facebook page.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Roche
Sponsored by Abel Funeral Services - Phoenix.
Tara Swanson
February 11, 2022
Dad how has a year already gone by? I miss you so much and speak to you often. I know that you are in a much better place and hope that you are flying freely. Be at peace Dad. I appreciate all the things you did for us. Love you lots.
d
Tristan Petersen
February 21, 2021
Fly into the great hole in the clouds dad I will miss you XOXO
Tam Roche
February 21, 2021
Dad and #1 grandson Andrew
Tam Roche
February 21, 2021
Dad and #1 granddaughter Tristan
Tam Roche
February 21, 2021
Dad and his sister Virginia (Ginger) playing with his plane.
Tam Roche
February 21, 2021
Dad surrounded by his "girls"
Tam Roche
February 21, 2021
All of the young smiles
Tam Roche
February 21, 2021
Tam Roche
February 21, 2021
Dad, I am truly at a loss, what do you say when the man that has set the bar for all of the men in our lives is gone. Your amazing laugh, sense of humor, amazing work and play ethic has shaped us all into the people we are today. You and mom made us all think that marriage and raising kids was fun and easy because you made it seem so effortless (joke was on us, it is and was hard work). You made sure that all of us girls knew how to be independent functional members of society, how to work hard and to take pride in our accomplishments. Thank you for being you and have fun flying the heavens. Until we meet again, I love you.
Clay
February 20, 2021
He was like a father to me I miss the time we had in the air his quick wit was one of a kind n5199k tail winds to you dad
Tara Swanson
February 19, 2021
Miss you so much Dad.
Tracy John
February 19, 2021
Dad, thank you for being you. I really appreciated your humor, your tenancy and the example you always set. I don’t think you ever encountered something that you didn’t know how to manage. I am so thankful you got to hold your great grandsons and that I will have those moments to cherish as the thoughts of you rush forward. You have been a Father and friend to all of us. When I got married you adopted my husband as a new son and he feels the loss of you as he did his own father.
In our loss we know you are now reunited with Mom and that provides a measure of comfort. Please know we miss you. You have all our love!
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