Richard "Dick" Roach

1932 - 2025

Richard John "Dick" Roach died on August 19, 2025 at the age of 92. He passed peacefully at a memory care facility with his daughter Stacy Roach, by his side after a battle with dementia and congestive heart failure. Richard is survived by his eldest son, Edward Thomas (E.T.) Roach, son Matt Roach and his wife, Maria, their children Kellie, Kevin and Jack Roach as well as his daughter Stacy Roach and her son Max. He is also survived by his sisters Mary Donahue and Rita Schwiebinz. He is preceded in death by his wife LaVerne (Olsen) Roach, brothers Eddie Roach, Paul Roach, and Mike Roach as well as his parents, Dorothy and E.T. Roach. Richard was born 1932 in Faribault, Minnesota and was married to LaVerne in 1957, enjoying 60 years of marriage.

Richard graduated from Black Hills State University, where he also played football and was a Little All American two years in a row. Post college, Richard served in the 82nd Airborne division during the Korean War.

Richard began his career as a high school teacher and coach, moving to college and then professional football.

Richard "Dick" Roach enjoyed a distinguished career as a professional football coach over almost four decades, with significant accomplishments in the NFL, CFL, and USFL:

NFL Tenure: Spanning 21 seasons, Roach served primarily as Defensive Backs Coach, including notable stints with the Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills, and Seattle Seahawks.

Buffalo Bills Dynasty: Roach played an integral role with the Buffalo Bills from 1987 to 1998, helping the team to four consecutive AFC Championship titles and Super Bowl appearances (1990-1993). During this stretch, the Bills posted some of their strongest defensive records, including multiple seasons with 11+ wins and division titles.

Professional Leagues Beyond NFL: He coached in the CFL with the Montreal Alouettes and Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and in the USFL with the Michigan Panthiss, earning playoff appearances and division finishes.

Playoff Record: Participated in 27 NFL playoff games (winning Super Bowl berths with the Bills) and multiple CFL and USFL postseasons, contributing to division championships and playoff victories.

Winning Seasons: His teams achieved winning records in several seasons-most notably in Buffalo, where he helped the Bills to seasons of 13 - 3 in 1990 and 1991, and 12-4 in 1988, 1993, and 1995.

Legacy: His 21 NFL seasons are reflective of his longevity, resilience, and discipline. His collegiate and professional guidance left a lasting mark on defensive strategy and player development. Roach's career stands out for his dedication, expertise in defensive coaching, and the enduring successes of the teams he helped shape.

Richard wanted no formal service and his family is respecting those wishes. Cards with remembrances and messages of support for the family are welcomed and can be sent to Stacy Roach at 1212 Davis Ave, Concord, CA 94518.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests that donations be made in Richard's name to the Hunter's Hope Foundation. The Foundation's mission is to raise awareness of Krabbe Disease and related Leukodystrophies, provide support and resources to affected families, and advance research toward effective treatments and a cure. Founded by Jim and Jill Kelly, Hunter's Hope is dedicated to creating hope and compassionate care for children and families facing these challenging illnesses.