Patrick Francis Roets

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sergeant First Class Patrick Roets of Palm Bay, Florida. Pat passed away on January 11, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and dedication that will never be forgotten.
Pat's journey began when his family moved to Venice, Florida when he was just six weeks old. There he would attend Garden Elementary, Venice Junior High School, and graduated from Venice High School in the class of 1990.
After high school, Pat's sense of duty and love for his country led him to enlist in the United States Army, where he quickly distinguished himself as a dedicated Airborne soldier. Pat served as a helicopter mechanic, earning the respect of his peers and superiors alike. His dedication and expertise in his field, along with his unwavering leadership, helped him rise to the rank of Sergeant First Class and become a highly decorated Noncommissioned Officer and Jump Master.
Pat's impact on those around him was immeasurable. He was a loving son, a devoted brother, a passionate husband, a proud father and fun-loving grandfather. His leadership and friendship were unparalleled, and those who knew him felt his love, care, and sometimes tough love in equal measure. Pat's personality was as bold and strong as his convictions. He was the kind of man who inspired loyalty and admiration in all who had the privilege of working with him, while simultaneously demanding respect from those who couldn't measure up. He was a man of integrity, who lived by his own code and instilled those values in his children and those around him.
Pat is survived by his mother, Rebecca Roets; his brothers, Tom Jr., Michael Sr., and Philip Roets; his beloved wife of 22 years, Debra Roets; his children, Susan (30), Aaron (25), and Kaylee (21); his son-in-law Matt, daughter-in-law Sierra; and his cherished grandchildren, Serafina, Austin, Briar, Tatum, and Barrett. He was predeceased by his father, Tom Sr.
Outside of his military career, Pat had a passion for life and cherished spending time with his family and friends. He found joy in the open road, riding his Harley with his wife Debra by his side. He had a deep love for music, particularly the heavy sounds of Metallica, and his love for football, especially his Pittsburgh Steelers, were a cornerstone of his free time. Whether it was riding his bike, cheering for his team, or simply spending quality time with those he loved, Pat lived life to the fullest.
Pat's sense of humor, kindness, and unwavering support will be sorely missed by all who knew him. His legacy is one of service, commitment, and above all, a deep love for his family.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Saturday, March 1st, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM at VFW Post 4206, located at 3201 Dairy Road, Melbourne, FL 32904.
We invite all who loved Pat to join us in remembering and honoring his life. In keeping with Pat's spirit, we encourage you to wear attire that reflects his passions-whether that be Harley Davidson, Metallica, Steelers gear, or anything that reminds you of the man he was.
Pat Roets may no longer walk among us, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. He will be missed but never forgotten.
"Fiddler's Green"
Halfway down the trail to Hell,
In a shady meadow green
Are the Souls of all dead troopers camped,
Near a good old-time canteen.
And this eternal resting place
Is known as Fiddlers' Green.
Marching past, straight through to Hell
The Infantry are seen.
Accompanied by the Engineers,
Artillery and Marines,
For none but the shades of Cavalrymen
Dismount at Fiddlers' Green.
Though some go curving down the trail
To seek a warmer scene.
No trooper ever gets to Hell
Ere he's emptied his canteen.
And so rides back to drink again
With friends at Fiddlers' Green.
And so when man and horse go down
Beneath a saber keen,
Or in a roaring charge of fierce melee
You stop a bullet clean,
And the hostiles come to get your scalp,
Just empty your canteen,
And put your pistol to your head,
And go to Fiddlers' Green.