Elmo Eugene Roach

Elmo Eugene “Joe” Roach, age 87, passed away on December 25, 2025 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Joe was born on July 11, 1938 in Dayton, Ohio to Nina Josephine Roach (nee Vitale) and Elmo Vernon Roach.

Joe was a scholar, a teacher, a traveler and a family man. He lived a life marked by an insatiable curiosity about the world and its inhabitants. He had a wonderful 55 year marriage to his wife, Jean, a much-loved son, John, and a loving relationship with his sister, Kathy. His family circle also included in-laws, a granddaughter, great-granddaughters, cousins, nieces and nephews who he enjoyed over the years. He had many professional and personal long-term friendships. His sharp sense of humor was noted by all.

He graduated from Chaminade H.S. in Dayton where he played sports and received what he called an excellent education preparing him for continuing to university studies. He attended one year at the University of Dayton before deciding he wanted to see the world. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1958; boot camp was in San Diego, weather school in New Jersey and he was sent to Asia on a troop ship where he was a forward observer on the South China Sea. This experience sparked his love of travel.

Returning to civilian life he finished his BA at the University of Dayton, and his Masters and PhD in Russian History at The Ohio State University. He traveled in and out of the Soviet Union while he did his dissertation research. This was the beginning of a life-long interest in the literature, history and culture of Russia and Ukraine.

His career as a university professor took him to Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois in 1968. Early on he recognized a need for a summer abroad program. He organized and led the first group in 1969 and it continued for the next 35 years. He later added a winter semester break program in London in the 90’s and continued it until he retired in 2005. He also facilitated the recruitment of foreign students and faculty from Central and Eastern European countries as well as Russians after 1989’s fall of the Berlin Wall. Broadening the horizons of students via international travel and exposure to cultural differences was his mission.

Joe’s passion was learning and teaching which he continued to pursue after retiring. He marveled at the Mayan culture and studied its calendar, architecture and creative arts. He kept up on events in Russia and became an expert on the current situation in Ukraine. His expertise led to radio interviews on KTAL in Las Cruces to update the community on the situation. He also did numerous presentations for senior groups around the country, in person, via Zoom and for the Academy for Learning in Retirement in Las Cruces.

Joe loved their many pets including his most recent rescue dog, Nellie. Time spent on Pelican Lake at a family cottage was filled with fishing, watersports and wildlife viewing along with daily walks in the north woods with his beloved dogs. Joe and John shared a love of soccer. As Manchester United FC fans Joe enjoyed watching the matches and then rehashing the after-game analysis with John.

In retirement Joe and Jean divided their time between Northern Wisconsin and New Mexico. They fell in love with the winter sunshine, the vibrant diverse community of Las Cruces and the wonderful friends they made. Joe maintained that the Corner Bakery served the best pancakes in Las Cruces and he could often be found there discussing world affairs with friends. He will be missed.

A celebration of Joe’s life is in the planning stages; the location and date will be announced later. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to:

KTAL Community Radio Las Cruces

https://www.lccommunityradio.org/donate.html

El Caldito Soup Kitchen

https://elcaldito-lc.org/ways-to-give/

Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley

https://www.ascmv.org