Stephen John Roch

Stephen 'Big Steve/Bear' John Roch, of Metairie, LA, went to be with our Lord on Friday, May 16, 2025 at the age of 74 of heart related complications. Steve was born at Hotel Dieu in New Orleans and lived for 16 years in the Carrollton neighborhood of New Orleans attending school at Mater Dolorosa church and school and later McMain. Steve was born, lived, and died as a member of the Catholic church. Steve moved with his parents to Metairie in 1967. Born into a family of woodworkers, after graduating from East Jefferson he quickly worked with his brother Bruce's construction firm working on residential and commercial jobs across the city. In addition to being a Master Journeyman Carpenter, Steve was also a talented artist, being a draftsman offering his services to prospective home builders by drawing house plans and home renovation additions. Steve also had a love for Rock 'N' Roll music. For a time, Steve worked as the equipment crew manager for a local classic Rock band. After working many years in the construction trade, he followed in his father's footsteps to become a Building Inspector with Jefferson Parish Government (JPG). He worked for 26 years as a Building Inspector for JPG before becoming disabled on the job and forced to take an early retirement.
Everyone who knew Steve knew that he had an eye for perfection not only with woodworking, but also in the restoration of classic Ford Mustangs being a professional and hobbyist mechanic. From an early age, Steve picked up mechanics learning from his brother Bruce and his uncle Urban as to how to work on his bicycle and later cars. Beginning in the late 1970's through the 1990's Steve was one of the most recognizable names supplying used classic Ford Mustang parts to Mustang fans in the greater New Orleans area. For many years he owned a Mustang parts business called Mustang Madness. In addition to restoring his Mustangs he enjoyed showing them as well attending car shows. He often said that some of the best times in his life were traveling with his family and friends to car shows throughout the Southeastern and Eastern parts of the US. Steve continued his passion for cars throughout his life. Steve did not go through a car phase like most people. He was truly a Mustang Nut owning several classic Mustang and Ford vehicles over the course of his life.
He was a beloved father/in-law, grandfather, brother, and friend. Steve had an unwavering love for his family. He is survived by his loving son, Stephen 'Lil Steve/Jr/Pebble' John Roch Jr. daughter-in-law Lisa Roch, grandsons Theodore 'Teddy' Alexander Roch and Oliver 'Ollie' James Roch, his brother Bruce Roch and sister-in-law Virginia Roch, nephews/nieces Matthew Miller, Mark Miller, Luke Miller, Jennifer Miller, Bruce Roch Jr, and Kathy Roch Schwab. Preceded in death by his wife Deborah 'Debbie' Roch, his parents, Wilmer and Adele Roch, and his sister Barbara Roch Miller and niece Anita Smith.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at L.A. Muhleisen & Son, 2607 Williams Blvd., Kenner, LA 70062. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM followed by a Catholic Mass at 11:00 AM. To view the family tribute and leave condolences, please visit www.muhleisen.com.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Stephen's name to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America at https://myasthenia.org/support-the-mg-community/make-a-gift/ways-to-give/#:~:text=Checks%20can%20be%20mailed%20to%3A%20Myasthenia%20Gravis%20Foundation,by%20phone%3F%20Call%20%28617%29%20465%200513.%20DONATE%20ONLINE