Robert M. Roach

Robert M. (Bob) Roach passed away peacefully in his sleep in Austin, Texas on July 10, 2023. Bob was born to Michael and Mary Roach in Bronxville, N.Y on August 28,1928. He and his twin sister, Jane, were born on their mother's birthday. Bob grew up in Crestwood, N.Y. He graduated 1st in his class from Villanova University in 1950 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He later studied for a Master's degree in Business Administration from New York University, and he completed those graduate studies at Northwestern University in Chicago.

From 1950-1953, during the Korean War, Bob served as a battalion radar and communications officer in the U.S Army. Shortly before his honorable discharge, Bob was offered an appointment to West Point Military Academy. He seriously considered and then gratefully declined that commission in order to marry and start a family with the longtime love of his life, Mary Dee Doolan.

In October 1953, Bob joined Jefferson Chemical Co., serving successively as a salesman, district sales manager, regional sales manager, and general sales manager. After Texaco purchased a 100% interest in Jefferson Chemical, Bob worked in London, England for four years as the Managing Director of Texaco Chemical Group. While working in Europe, Bob was tasked with investigating and then developing a plan for starting a new joint venture company for Texaco in Saudi Arabia. Upon the approval of his proposal, Texaco offered Bob the position of President of that new company to be Saudi based, which he seriously considered and then gratefully declined at the request of Mary Dee, who wanted the family to resettle in Houston. Upon returning to Houston, Bob served as General Manager of Marketing for Texaco. After retiring from Texaco in 1986, and golfing full time for several years, Bob agreed to join Epic, Inc. where he worked an additional four years as its Executive Vice President.

An avid sportsman and five day a week golfer, Bob joined Pine Forest Country Club in 1989. He served on numerous committees at Pine Forest, including three years on its Board of Directors. He helped establish the Senior Men's Golf Association at Pine Forest, later serving as its President and being honored as its first honorary lifetime member.

To spend their final years, Bob and Mary Dee decided to relocate to Austin, where they eagerly joined the wonderful community of residents and associates at Buckner Villas. Bob enjoyed being a member of the Greenridge Singers and Bible Study group, as well as playing water volleyball and bridge with great friends. For several years while at Buckner, Bob was Mary Dee's full-time caregiver, until the passing one year ago of his beloved wife of 67 years. Bob and Mary Dee are survived by their son Robert M. (Randy) Roach, Jr. of Houston and his partner Marcia Hershey, son John Edward Roach and wife Laura of Austin, Texas, son Christopher Halpin Roach of Houston, and grandsons Austin, William, and Harrison. Bob is survived by his twin sister Sr. Jane Roach and was predeceased by sisters Mary Taylor and Alice Knowles.

Funeral services will be held at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church in Austin at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of your choice.