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Christopher Roche Obituary
He was born in the Bronx, N.Y., Sept. 26, 1942, to Ruth and Arthur Roche. They preceded him in death as well as a sister, a brother, and a stepmother.
Those celebrating his life are his wife of 37 years, Nancy Ness Roche; son, Christopher (Kara) Roche; daughter, Andrea Dawn Roche; son, Terence Patrick (Sarah) Roche; sister, Nancy Pepe; grandsons, Brady and Brooks; 18 nieces and nephews; and many other close friends and relatives.
Chris would tell you that he had a wonderful life and his journey began when he proudly served his county in the Navy as a Chinese interpreter during the Vietnam War. In 1965, Chris joined IBM as a teletype operator, he later moved to Atlanta, he graduated from Oglethorpe University and in 1971 he became an IT manager for IBM.
He met Nancy in 1974 at IBM, they moved to Florida, and were married on their boat in their back yard in 1978. IBM then took them on an adventure to South Africa where Christopher was born. They moved back to Lake Lanier in 1982 and Andrea Dawn was born while they lived on the Best Wishes, their houseboat. They began to build their dream house on the lake and, once they moved in, Terry was born in 1984.
Chris was a very successful management consultant for IBM and had many offers to move overseas again, but his dream was to live on the lake and raise a family. He was so proud of Nancy and his kids and made sure that everyone he met knew exactly that. He had three kids, but he raised and was a mentor to so many more. If you ever met Chris, you have your favorite story to tell, and we will be sharing them and celebrating his life at 2 p.m. on Nov. 13, at Deer Creek Shores Presbyterian Church.
Nancy started a preschool 25 years ago, so in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Deer Creek Shores Presbyterian Preschool (DCSPP) Scholarship Fund, started five years ago in memory of our dearest friend, Nell Duke.
McDonald and Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be expressed at www.mcdonaldson.com.
Sign our online guestbook at forsythnews.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Roche
Louise Lahr
November 4, 2024
Nancy, I hope you are doing well. I think about you and Chris often and the many fond memories of house boating on Lake Lanier as well as parties at Lighthouse Point. I pray you and your family are healthy and happy.
Louise Bellarosa-Lahr
November 4, 2022
Nancy, I hope you and your family are well and happy. Chris was always a joy to be around and some of my fondest memories are of his infamous pig roasts on Lake Lanier!
January 7, 2016
Nancy,
Chris is the reason that Tom and I came from Boca to Atlanta in 1973. We thought we would never stop missing the ocean, until we purchased a houseboat the same day that Chris purchased one and never looked back. We fell in love with Lake Lanier. I will never forget the great times on Pig Island and all the New Year's Eve parties at your home. He will be missed by all that he touched. What a great life you two have created together. From no children to Grand children. Again, thanks for the memories! My condolences!
Pat Jasnicki
Neil McDonald
November 30, 2015
Dear Nancy and family,
Mary and I were very sad to hear your news. Chris made a very big impact in South Africa in both the work and social areas. Both his fellow IBMers and customers benefited tremendously from his skills and experience. Socially he was invaluable as all of our wives readily agreed that "being with Chris in the White House after work" was an acceptable excuse for arriving home late after work.
All of the best to you and your family in coping with the loss of Chris,
Neil & Mary
Wendy Grove
November 22, 2015
Dear Nancy and family - So sorry to hear of Chris. We have such fond memories of you from Bryanston Johannesburg days and the many memorable times we spent together. Wishing you all strength over this difficult time.
Chris and Wendy Grove
Bushmans River Mouth South Africa
Janice Henry
November 13, 2015
I'm so sorry to hear this. He was a sweet patient of mine. I will miss him and Nancy coming to the hospital!
You're favorite Respiratory therapist! ;)
Tony Dry
November 13, 2015
Chris made a huge impact on IBM South Africa during the time he and Nancy spent here but the lure of the Lake was too much to overcome.Loved and respected by all who worked with him. Fondly remember a night on his boat during a quick visit to Atlanta.
Nancy you can be proud of him
Tom and Fran Cramer
November 12, 2015
Chris is the reason my family and I relocated to Atlanta back in 1974. He told me there were no mosquito's here. The altitude was too high. He made up for that by becoming a special friend and mentor. Enjoy the memories Nancy. There were more than enough to go around for everyone. God Bless.
Richard Kenner
November 12, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Chris was a great friend. We will miss him.
Dick and Trisha Kenner
Tony Croce
November 12, 2015
Dear Nancy and Family,
Chris was always a shining light at work and pleasure. Now his light will shine in another world. Goodbye our friend, Chris, and Best Wishes. Thanks for the memories. Tony and Shirley Croce
Zimney
November 12, 2015
Dear Nancy, we have such fond memories of the times our families spent together on the lake house boating when the kids were young. Thanks for the friendship and the memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Chris, Andrea and Terry during this time. Dave and Elaine
L.W. McDonald and Son Funeral Home
November 12, 2015
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Carol Delaney
November 11, 2015
Chris you kept in touch, like your Dad did, through rough patches. God bless you and your family. Carol Delaney
Jan Green
November 11, 2015
Nancy,
I worked with Chris for many years at IBM. He was not only an excellent co-worker, he was also a dear friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Jan Green
Louise Bellarosa-Lahr
November 11, 2015
Dear Nancy,
Gene Conway has kept me up to date on Chris's health issues. My heart aches for you as you navigate through this tremendous loss. He was one of a kind for sure! I have many fond memories of you both from the Lake and from time spent in Florida. Of course, that seems like a lifetime ago...before kids and grey hair!
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I wish you peace.
Louise
Jeff Bearden
November 11, 2015
Dear Nancy and Family,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Respectfully,
Jeff Bearden
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