Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Carl Roach Obituary
Carl Walter Roach, beloved son, brother, and friend to all, passed away suddenly on March 5, 2023 at age 38. Carl was born May 31, 1984, in Joliet Illinois. He was a graduate from Purdue University and earned his BA in 2007, and MA (2010) in English. He went on to share his passion for English language and literature with countless students in his classes at Lewis University and Joliet Junior College.
Carl loved working out and playing disc golf, softball, golf, and football with his father, brothers, & many friends. He was an accomplished photographer and the author of "Little Red Rocket." When he was not working or playing sports, he was an avid movie-goer and Connoisseur of music. He traveled the world, visiting England, Italy, Greece, Canada, and Mexico.
When friends and family needed help, Carl was the first to arrive and last to leave. He chauffeured elderly relatives and annually baked his mother's birthday cake.
Carl is survived by his parents Thomas and Susan (nee Hebda), younger siblings Jesse (Lauren),
Laura (Jeffrey), and Michael (Amanda), two nephews, and dear friend Tracy Schuster.
A Visitation will be held on Tuesday March 7, 2023, 5:00 PM -7:00 PM at St George Serbian Church, followed by a Panikhida service.
The funeral will be on Wednesday at 10:00 AM, and will also be held at St. George Serbian Orthodox church, 305 South Midland Ave Joliet, Illinois 60436. Followed by a graveside burial at Elmhurst Cemetery located at 1212 E Washington St. Joliet, Illinois 60433.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Carl Roach
Ryan Chu
July 28, 2024
Professor Roach was my favorite and best teachers I've ever had. He was nice, cool, funny, and was a genuinely good at his job. He was the only teacher in JJC to remember me.
Recently I have decided to go back to JJC to finish getting my Associates, and was heartbroken to find out he has passed away last year. I will definitely miss him and I wish him and his family the best and my condolences.
Christopher Adam Shukin
June 9, 2024
My friend since I was a baby, he was like the oldest brother I never had, Jesse the older, Michael the younger, and Laura.
Donna Kabat
May 22, 2024
I am just finding out about the loss of your son. My heart aches for Sue and her family. I´m a second cousin to Sue. My daughter passed away Nov 2021, age 25. They are both angels in heaven and our guardian angels on earth. Sincerely, Donna Kabat
Lyuba and Wulf Ohrnberger
May 8, 2023
Dear Roach Family ( just found out ) we can´t imagine such wonderful family lost your son Carl we are speechless and to think the horrific pain your family going through. We are sending our Deepest Sympathy and pray God will help you in this difficult time and we pray that such good looking, people loving and smart human being Rest In Peace, Amen
How you can show support
JT Surgant
March 18, 2023
Carl was like a big brother to me as a kid and I always looked up to him. He was responsible and wise but also could be silly and a lot of fun. My best memories from him are from the venturing summer camps he and his siblings came to. I always looked forward to camping with them and hanging out at our house before and after. Carl was the coolest guy and influenced me a lot in my teenage years. We love him and miss him. May his memory be eternal
Bob Marcink
March 13, 2023
I didn't know Carl as well as some, but I have nothing but nice memories of him as a colleague at JJC. He always had a smile on his face, and he had a way of making you want to smile, too. He is missed.
Lainie Honiotes Jenkins
March 12, 2023
Tom and Sue and family, I am so, so , sorry for your loss. I pray that the beautiful memories your beautiful son come to you just when you least expect them and when you most need them. May his memory be eternal.
Kevin "Buda" Borvansky
March 9, 2023
So sorry to hear about Carl's passing, I've only known him for 3 years, but that's plenty of time to see what a great person he was, my condolences to his family and Tracy.
Amira Al Jabali
March 9, 2023
Mr. Roach...
I was just emailing you, we were talking about my paper a week ago. I am sorry to you and your family, and I was getting upset with you cause you were not grading my paper... I would never think this was the reason. I told you I took English 102 twice already and you made my third time the easiest, especially when I told you my dad just passed. When they came to tell us, it was like finding out my dad passed all over again. I shed a tear, for you, your family, and everyone who was able to know you on a better level than your students. I wish we were here for you more than you were here for us. may you rest peacefully, and may god grant patience for your parents and siblings. im so so sorry. I wish I knew.
Taylor Lindaur
March 8, 2023
Best English professor I´ve ever had the honor of knowing. He always went above and beyond to help me grow as a writer-and always with a big smile. He will be missed deeply.
Michelle
March 8, 2023
Oh, Carl. I will miss sharing a classroom woth you. I will miss us trying g to figure out who left us a disaster of a classroom (but we knew who, and wouldn't say it aloud, didn't we?). As much as I will miss you as a colleague and friend, your students will miss you more. I have been talking woth them, and I hope you know how how much they valued and loved you. I hope you are seeing the world right now.
Eliana Melero
March 7, 2023
Sending my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Roach. I had the pleasure of taking two courses with Professor Roach at JJC. Then when transferring to Lewis, I would see him often around campus. Always with a big smile and making sure I was doing good. I will miss his big smile and warm words.
Anka Laketa
March 7, 2023
+Carl was a great young man I had many conversations with him at church He was so excited to be a professor told me he was having a ball teaching Offered me his arm one day when it was snowing and we were leaving church He definitely will be missed by me and I´m sure many many many others
JB
March 7, 2023
Professor Roach helped me get comfortable as a first year student at Lewis. Sending my deepest condolences.
John Argoudelis
March 7, 2023
So sorry to hear this bad news. My deepest condolences.
Roxanne Munch
March 7, 2023
Carl was a wonderful person and teacher, as is his mother. We all taught at Joliet Junior College. My deepest condolences to his family.
Jay prystalski
March 7, 2023
Sorry to hear about his passing. My deepest sympathy to you all. Jay prystalski
Rubye Taylor-Drake
March 7, 2023
Praying for peace during this time of grief. Carl was a great person. We´ll miss him at Lewis.
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
Make a Donation
in Carl Roach's name
Memorial Events
for Carl Roach
How to support Carl's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Carl Roach's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
