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Joseph Roche Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Stephanie Harris
December 2, 2007
I ran across the news of Joe Senior's death completely by accident. I am so sorry for your loss and wish you comfort in each other throughout this holiday season and beyond. I was a friend of Joe Jr. during our college years. I recall your family's beauty in the arts and in life as well as your love for one another.
Jean Mornard
November 25, 2007
Dear Sarita,
I just heard about Joe. I'm so very sorry! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, especially during the holidays.
Love,
Jean
Mark Stillman
October 11, 2007
I was really saddened to learn about Joe's passing. I've known him since the early 70's when he was a member of the Minnesota Orchestra, back when they concertized at Northrop Auditorium. He cared about his audience and took the time to meet his fans, and always treated everyone as someone special.
Joe loved having fun. After a concert, he'd go out and listen to music, supporting the people that he admired. He loved all types of music. Every year when he returned to The Twin Cities, I'd look into the audience and see his smiling face. He was the type of person who always made you feel so incredibly happy. He loved to celebrate and go out to his favorite Indian restaurant. Everyone in the place knew Joe Roche and they were was always happy when he walked in the door.
I'll really miss Joe a lot!! He was a unique and talented individual with a real flair for life. He had a warm heart and sensitive personality and he cared for everyone he met. He really knew how to make you feel special !!!
Jesse Levine
September 11, 2007
Dear Mrs. Roche and family,
I just learned the sad news of Joe's passing. Though we have never met I knew Joe since we were students together at Tanglewood in 1957. Joe and I were room-mates that summer and our friendship continued through the years, renewing itself during many years of Casals Festivals in Puerto Rico. Joe was a radiant and splendid person whose friendship I always deeply valued. I am very saddened to learn of his passing and offer my most sincere sympathies.
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Louis & Jeanetta Spinazola
August 16, 2007
Dear Sarita: Please except our sincere condolences.
Sincerely, Louis and Jeanetta Spinazola from the Church
howie hochberg
August 13, 2007
...a man's wealth is measured not by money or material belongings, but buy how many people whose lives he touched. Standing behind my bar for the past 10 years, I've gotten to meet some wonderful people. People of depth & character. There is a point when a one stops being a customer and starts being a friend. And thats exactly who Minnesota Joe was to me... my friend. I'll always remember his "baby" picture...and smile
Diane & Foster Yeadon
August 8, 2007
Dear Sarita,
We wish to express our condolences to you and your family.
When you hosted a NEC reunion at your home we drove up from Marco Is. We had such a lovely vist with you and enjoyed our conversations with you and your dear husband who was a special man in many ways.Please know that our thoughts and good wishes go from our hearts to yours.
Brad, Tara & Craig Siringer
August 6, 2007
Dear Sarita, May the Lord give you the comfort you and your family are needing at this time. We were saddened to learn of Joe's passing. Our sincere condolences. Your son gave a lovely speech yesterday morning and the tribute by Michael Markaverich was just marvelous. God Bless.
Betty Hamilton
August 5, 2007
Dear Sarita,
Chuck and I express our sincerest condolences for the loss of your husband, Joseph. It is difficult to loose a spouse. Our prayers are with you.
Betty and Chuck Hamilton
barry nienstadt
August 5, 2007
Dear Sarita.....
I just found out about Joe from my parents Jack and Mary Nienstadt (who used to live in Hopkins). I have thought of you and Joe often over these many years. Many fond memories of seeing both you and Joe perform..... Sending you and your family our love and support........Barry Nienstadt
Peg Graff
August 5, 2007
Dear Sarita and Family - what a wonderful tribute to Joe was held this morning at VNUM Church. Your son Joe and friend Mike Markaverich certainly displayed their love for your husband and family. May God give you the stength needed at this time of sorrow. Friends from VNUMC-Virginia Moore and Peg Graff
Jackie Marschall
August 3, 2007
Dear Sarita, I was so saddened to hear the news of your husband's passing. You and your husband certainly shared a love of music that will hold many memories for you. I am a member of the Fellowship (the one who plays the flute). I pray that God's peace will be with you and that He will hold you in His tender care. Jackie Marschall
Joey & Lisa Diroff
August 3, 2007
Dear Sarita,
Being in the restaurant business in downtown Sarasota my wife ad I had the oppurtunity to meet a lot of people. Joe was our favorite. His picture with the Macalester Trio is and forever will be hanging in our home. Our deepest sympathy and best wishes...Joey and Lisa Diroff
Beverly McFarland
August 2, 2007
Sarita & Family,
I can't imagine the shock and greif you are feeling right now. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers daily. If I can help in ANY way, please don't hesitate to let me know.
Christopher Pegis
August 2, 2007
Dear Sarita
Like everyone else here Cheeko and I were blindsided by Joe's sudden
departure. I still owed him five bucks for a bet I lost with him! During
the week he passed, I was playing the Barber Adagio in Maine and I don't
believe that was a cooincidence. Please call on us when you get back for
anything we can do to help. We are both so sorry and hope that we can help
in anyway.
Sharon & Mark Bell
August 1, 2007
Dearest Sarita and family,
Mark and I are so sorry for your loss. We continue to pray for your family and give you strength through this very difficult time.
Hold on to your memories and let them guide you during this time of sadness.
Bill and Linda Poplin
July 31, 2007
Sarita,
We are so sorry to hear about your husband. After reading about him in the entries of others in this guest book, we wish we had known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Rodney Cleveland
July 31, 2007
Hey Sarita,
I am so very sorry about your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Rodney Cleveland
John and Roberta Collins
July 30, 2007
Dear Sarita, We were very sad to hear the news about Joe. You were and still are a good friend. You and the family will be in our prayers. When you get back to Fla. I would love to hear from you.
Brian Newhouse
July 30, 2007
I'm so sorry to hear of this sudden passing. Joe always went out of his way (in the halls of Orch Hall) to say hello and share a kind word or something humourous. And nobody told a better story than Joe, especially about the conductors who came to stand on the Orchestra's podium. Some especially colorful memories of Dorati...
We'll miss this remarakble man.
Joey Herres
July 30, 2007
Dear Sarita,
It is always difficult to find the right words to say during such a time of loss. Take joy in knowing that your Lord stands right beside you to comfort and guide you. Your family of God - your brothers and sisters in Christ, your church family, the fellowship members and all you have touched through your life and music also stand with and beside you. We pray that you will feel this love and sharing of your loss and that you find comfort knowing you are surrounded in spirit by those who care.
Sincerely,
Joey Herres
Lake Magdalene UMC
Tampa, FL
Colleen Hayne
July 30, 2007
Dear Sarita and family,
There are some people you just can't imagine the world without! Joe was such an alive, vital person and a true genius in building relationships with people. He made everyone
feel important in his presence and what a gift
that is! Joe's personality was so joyous that it
was both contagious and uplifting! The great parties you two hosted almost attained legendary status! I always learned from you--about music and life. The Macalester Trio days are such fond memories.
My deepest sympathy in your very great loss,
Colleen (Betts) Hayne
James Callahan
July 29, 2007
Dear Sarita,
I was shocked to hear of the passing of Joe. My sincere condolances. I was sorry to have been out of town for the wake and funeral. My prayers are with you.
Mary (Andrychowicz) Smith
July 29, 2007
Dearest Sarita and Family. When my uncle Walter introduced me to you both, I had no idea that Joe and I would spend much time laughing and talking in our accidental meetings at Minneapolis' Art bars. He was a light to me. He was a friend to the local artists. He was much loved and respected. I am sad because I was thinking how much I missed his smile and his thoughts just last week. There are no words for this really.
Sean and Judy Clerkin
July 29, 2007
Sarita and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. We did not know until Sean was at Brit's on Friday evening and that is when he heard. We had just said to each other,We have not seen Joe this summer" We will miss his great humor and his great company everytime we would see him.
Please give our love to the children.
Our love and prayers are with you.
Wendy Adams
July 29, 2007
Dearest Sarita, Gita and Joe Joe,
I was shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Roche. My memories from decades ago are of a man with charisma, dynamism, joy and adoration for his beloved Sarita.
The world is a little dimmer today with the loss of this incredible man.
My deepest sympathy.
Joan Gadd
July 29, 2007
Dear Sarita
We are sorry to hear of Joe's death. We remember him as a kind and gentle man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love Joan & Don Gadd
Charlie and Martha Schlueter
July 28, 2007
Dear Sarita,
I can't tell you how shocked and saddened we were to hear of Joe's
death. Please accept our deepest sympathy. I'm so glad we got to see you and Joe, when he invited Martha and me to the luncheon at NEC in May to honor him as one of the outstanding alumni. I will always remember our years together in Minneapolis and particularly the New Year's eve parties at your home-even though we never got to the Cantata #51 til the following year.
Know that our thoughts are with you in this time of your loss
colleen hamm
July 28, 2007
Dear Sarita, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Mom is thinking of you also . We'll pray for you and your family Your friends from trinity church in bradenton
Chris & Jodi Everett
July 28, 2007
Sarita & Family: Your husband/father was a very special man....His presence and larger than life smile will be missed..our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow...
Martha Cross
July 28, 2007
Dear Sarita,
My thoughts are with you tonight, as I send this message of support to you and your family. As I read the beautiful tributes to you and your husband, it is clear that your lives have touched many. God's continued blessing on you. Those of us in the Florida Fellowship(FFUMMWA) will keep you in our prayers.
Martha Cross(Ft. Pierce, Florida)
Joanne Kelly
July 28, 2007
I am sending all the prayers and heartfelt sympathies of the Florida FUMMWA to you and your family. Please let me know if there is anything we can do for you. Love in Christ, Joanne Kelly
President Florida Chapter FUMMWA
Dan Panepinto
July 28, 2007
Dear Serita:
I was deeply saddened to hear of Joe’s passing a few days ago and my family and I offer our condolences to you and your family. The passing of Joe is the loss of true gentleman. Joe enriched us all through his musical gifts but Joe also enriched us with presence and personality. Just being in Joe’s presence was always an uplifting experience and his beaming smile was contagious. I will miss him but never forget him. When I think of Joe and his smile, I too will smile and laugh to myself, just like old times.
Mark Stallings
July 28, 2007
Sarita, Prayers and hugs from all your friends with the Fellowship during this hard time. May your memories and your Lord be real to you in the days ahead.
Mark Stallings
Paul & Pam Gaffke
July 28, 2007
We are sure Joe is currently making new friends in heaven and meeting his many friends that were waiting for him, and as always he is mentioning his wonderful wife Sarita and your children. He will be missed by so many of us that loved him for being a truly kind and loving soul. Not only did his music give us pleasure, but his presence made us all feel joyous and glad to be with him. We will keep you Sarita and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Mohan Komanduri
July 28, 2007
Dearest Sarita and Family,
Our deepest sympathies to you with the passing of Uncle Joe. He meant a lot to me from the advice he e have me in High school as a budding musician to the time we shared in Tokyo when he toured with Gita and Baltimore Symphony. Our world is short one joyous smile and infectious laugh - but our loss is heaven's gain.
Janet Scovill
July 28, 2007
I was saddened to read of Joe's death. He was so blessed to have you for his loving wife. I am sure you will miss him greatly.
Dave Kamminga
July 28, 2007
Sarita, We were all so happy to see Joe and felt that Sommerfest had finally started because he had arrived. How sad that his possitive presence is gone. Dave
Bonnie West
July 27, 2007
Dear Sarita and family. I was so shocked and sorrowed to hear of Joe's death. Fred and I send our sympathy and want to tell you how much Joe will be missed. He was such an openhearted man with a quick smile! Bonnie West and Fred Hedling
Adam Han-Gorski
July 27, 2007
Dear Sarita,
May I express my deepest sympathy to Your loss. I saw Joe no longer than last Friday, when I ran into Him at the lobby of the Symphony Hall. We even made plans to get together this week and I was shocked to heave heard the terrible news. I was looking forward to see you both here sometime within the next weeks. Once more, please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Yours sincerely
Adam
Adam Han-Gorski
July 27, 2007
Dear Sarita,
May I express my deepest sympathy to Your loss. I saw Joe no longer than last Friday, when I ran into Him at the lobby of the Symphony Hall. We even made plans to get together this week and I was shocked to heave heard the terrible news. I was looking forward to see you both here sometime within the next weeks. Once more, please accept my deepest condolences.
Yours sincerely
Adam
Philip Myers
July 27, 2007
He was one of the friendliest men I've known, always generous with others, I'm very sorry to hear about Joe's passing. For all of us who knew him, we are enriched by the experience. I'm very sorry for his wonderful family.
Elizabeth Bharucha
July 27, 2007
Sarita, deepest sympathy for you over Joe's death. We saw him playing in the last symphony concert where he must have been well! We hope to see you when you return to FL. We may eventually have that Indian dinner! Jal and Elizabeth
Fred and Kay de Sam Lazaro
July 27, 2007
Dear Sarita,
We were deeply saddened to learn of Joe's passing. I had particularly looked forward to getting to know Joe better, having just met you two in recent years. Joe was such a pioneer in my eyes, as one who came two decades later from India to the land of lakes.
I am also sorry to miss the services, stuck as I am on a major project in NY this summer.
Do know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, Gita and Joseph, jr. The love you shared was so plain to see, I have no doubt you will forever feel Joe's tight embrace.
Fred w/Kay.
Michael Heckert
July 27, 2007
Dear Sarita,
my deepest condolences to you and your family. The news about Joe's passing left me very sad. He was a great friend and a good man. I will miss him very much.
If I can be of any assistance please don't hesitate to ask.
Maria Kristina Hoppe
July 27, 2007
Dear Sarita,I want to give you our deepest condolences on the loss of your husband Joe. I have many good memories of him when he played at the Cathedral of St. Paul with our choir when Gerhard Lang was there and then when he played at the Twin Cities Catholic Chorale, the Macalester Trio, when you were my voice teacher and again at your place for the parties which you gave for the Chorale. He was a great hearted, wonderful man and he will be greatly missed. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Thomas Storie
July 27, 2007
Joe was very kind to me. He tried my bows and violins that I made.
He was very supportive in my efforts. We have lost a great man.
Joseph Roche recieves an Outstanding Alumni Award from New England Conservatory in honor of his 50th Reunion. Joe with President Emeritus Laurence Lesser and cellist YoYo Ma
Cheryl Weber
July 27, 2007
Dearest Sarita - All of us at New England Conservatory are deeply saddened and shocked by Joe's sudden death. Knowing that we honored Joe with an Outstanding Alumni Award this past May has become even more meaningful. I remember fondly his joy in this recognition. You both are so special to NEC. Sarita - I hold you in my heart during these difficult days. Please know that you can call on me or NEC at anytime. Love, Cheryl Weber
Marcia Gage
July 27, 2007
My deepest sympathy to Sarita, Gita and Joseph Jr. My grandmother, Leota Greene babysat the Roche children for many years and I have fond memories of them. Also, the family has performed for many of our family celebrations and funerals over the years. Joseph was a very talented and warm and friendly man. I am sure he will be missed by many.
Lara D'Souza and family
July 27, 2007
Dearest Sarita, Gita & Jo-Jo,
We were shocked and saddened to hear of your beloved loss.
Joe always lit up and smiled when he updated us of you and his children. It was so apparent how much he loves you all. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
John Miller
July 27, 2007
I will miss Joe's warm, beckoning presence very much, and he will always occupy a special place in my heart and memories. A wonderful man, a wondeful colleague, a wonderful friend.
God bless you Sarita; I am sorry for your loss.
Mickie Thomas
July 27, 2007
Dear Sarita, Gita and Joseph: I am living in Arizona, but I read about Joe's death on my computer. I am so sorry for your sudden loss. I will always remember what wonderful times we had together in the Twin Cities and our trip to Sarasota, and how much our family enjoyed your and Joe's contributions to the St. Agnes masses, the Minnesota Orchestra, and the Macalester Trio. Hello also to Patrick and Kokila and my thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
stuart markoff
July 26, 2007
Dear Sarita,Joseph and Gita;
I'm addressing this to Patrick as well though
I do not recall meeting him. Your husband, your father was my roommate and close friend when he first came to Minnesota with his new appointment to the then Minneapolis Symphony.
I never grew tired of hearing him practice on his Prescenda fiddle. His friendship with former symphony violinist Ted Ptashne, my uncle by marriage to Roxanne, developed after he wooed and won you, Sarita.
When we did the Mozart Festivals with Sascha Schneider conducting, Joe was part of its success and went on to play under Schneider at the Casals Festivals in Puerto Rico.
When Gita came to Baltimore, my native city, to join the cello section of our Baltimore Symphony, I felt so proud of her and of her parents.
Writing this heart-broken in San Diego. For me he is always the handsome and gifted and funny Madras kid. Love, Stu
June LeBell
July 26, 2007
Dearest Sarita, You've been in my thoughts and prayers ever since we spoke and I heard the news about your beloved Joe. Please know that your friends - - like family - - will be hugging you when you get back to Sarasota. Joe's passing is a loss to us all but I know how much of a space he leaves in your heart. I send my love and sympathy to you and your family.(An article about Joe is in the works at the Sarasota Herald Tribune and should be in early next week.)
With much love -
Corky&Alison(Nyes) Hisle
July 26, 2007
We're saddened to here of Joe's sudden death. He will be truly missed by all who knew him. I've known Joe for thirty years and considered him a friend. His summer visits to Minneapolis will be missed. We feel fortunate to have visited with him this past week. Our sorrow goes out to all who knew and loved him.
Susan Crumpler
July 26, 2007
Dear Sarita,
I will pray for strength for you as you go throughout this week and the many days to follow. I am thankful for the special moments we shared together this summer at Eckerd College. May God give you the peace that passes understanding as he has promised you.
Lurray Myers
July 26, 2007
Dear Sarita,
May you gain some comfort from knowing how many friends all over Florida in AGO and FUMMWA are so saddened and shocked to hear this news. Fellow musicians will always cherish the memories of special performances with Joe.
Shelby Fullerton
July 26, 2007
Dear Sarita,
I remember our talk this summer about the accomplishments of Joe throughout the years and your wonderful life together.I pray that in the coming weeks, those will be the memories that you hold on to. God bless you and your family. Love, Shelby and Dan Fullerton
Woody McDonell
July 26, 2007
I was saddened to hear of Joseph's passing; Sarita, you and your family are in my prayers.
Virginia (GINNY) DeMers
July 26, 2007
Dear Sarita, I'm so sorry to hear about your husband. I trust you will have all your family and friends with you now for comfort and support. You will be in our prayers.
In Fellowship and Love,
Ginny DeMers (FUMMWA)
Robert (B.J.) Jackson
July 26, 2007
Dear Sarita,
I was saddened to hear the news of Joseph's sudden passing. I cannot begin to know the pain and loss this must bring. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers, as well as the thoughts and prayers of all the members of The Fellowship, Florida Chapter, at this time. Let us know if there is anything we can do for you and your family.
Mary Dixon
July 26, 2007
Dear Sarita
I know you through FUMMWA and Sarasota AGO. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Dixon
Punta Gorda, FL
Mary Hanson
July 26, 2007
Dear Sarita, and family,
You don't know me, but I, along with other teachers, were students in a music overview class Joe taught at MacPhail years ago for music teachers. We played our instruments and went through possible music for our orchestras and ensembles. I have looked up to Joe as a Minnesota Orchestra musician over the years. Please accept my sympathy and love to you and your family, over the loss of Joe. We will remember his smile and how he loved people and music. Words can't express our sadness at your loss. Know that many others are thinking of you at this time.
Sincerely,
Mary Hanson
cindy schmidt
July 26, 2007
Dear Sarita, You will not remember me, but I remember you and your wonderful husband. You were a patient of mine at the University Hospital in Labor and Delivery in the 60's--I have never forgotten how lovely you both were. I always looked for Joseph in the orchestra and enjoyed his music so much. It's too soon for him to be gone, I know. I wish for you peace and solice and know the impressions you both have left with so many.
Sincerely, Cindy Carroll Schmidt, RN
Win Anderson (nee Smith)
July 26, 2007
I was very sorry to hear of Mr. Roche's passing. I was a friend of Joe, Jr.'s in college and remember Mr. Roche as a very friendly and charming man. My best wishes to the Roche family.
jim kromhout
July 26, 2007
We will miss Joe so much. He has bewen a great friend and an inspiration to our family to seek out the best in music and to live life to the fullest.
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