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John Roche Obituary
Born in North Java, N.Y., son of the late John and Bernadette Eley Roche, he was a former member of St. Clare's Church and a graduate of Scranton Technical High School. He was a Navy veteran, having served aboard the USS Icefish as a submarine torpedoman during World War II. Upon return from the war, John attended electronics school and opened Roche TV, which was the first of its kind in the Scranton area. He later became a published author for his book "Dive, Dive," which told of his service time during World War II. John enjoyed skiing, motorcyles, sailing and being on the water. He was loved by many and will be missed.
Also surviving are a son, John Roche III and wife, Theresa, Pittsburgh; three daughters, Nancy Miller, Manhattan Beach, Calif.; Judy Messoline, Dunmore; and Terri Bercier, Redondo Beach, Calif.; 12 grandchildren, John IV, David and Laura Roche, Danielle Wall, Andrew Miller, Dr. Matthew, Christopher, Lindsay and Ashley Messoline, Jeremy, Trevor and Nathan Bercier; five great-grandchildren, Hayden and Kaia Bercier, Olivia and Oliver Messoline, and Isaac Johnson; a brother, Robert; and two sisters, Anne Radko and Norma Yeager.
He was also preceded in death by a brother, Paul.
The funeral will be Thursday at 10:30 a.m. in Holy Family Residence Chapel. Interment, Dunmore Cemetery.
Friends may call Wednesday from 2 to 8 p.m., at Holy Family.
Arrangements by the McGoff-Hughes Funeral Home Inc., 1401 Capouse Ave., Scranton.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Holy Family Residence, 2500 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Roche
3 Entries
August 18, 2015
On behalf of the United States Submarine Veterans (USSVI), I offer our sincere condolences on John's passing. You and your loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers. We are forever grateful for John's service to our country in the U.S. Submarine Service. To our Brother we say, Sailor, rest your oar. We have the watch. May you rest in peace and may God bless your loved ones who remain. Thank you for your service to our country."
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. - 2 Thess 3:16.
John Francis Roche Jr TM3, US Navy, Now on Eternal Patrol.
Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate
His record is now posted online in the Eternal Patrol file on the USSVI website.
Bill Dixon, National Chaplain United States Submarine Veterans, USSVI.
Nick Nichols
August 17, 2015
To the Roche Family,
On behalf of the Charleston Base SUBVETS and Swamp Fox Chapter SUBVETS WWII, I offer you our sincere condolences on John's passing. We grieve with you on the loss of your loved one and all SUBVETS and their families have your family in our thoughts and prayers. There is no expiration date on the back of our dolphins and John will always be remembered as a Brother of the Phin, a member of our Greatest Generation, and a great Patriot.
John F. Roche Jr.
US Navy WWII Submarine Veteran
Now on Eternal Patrol
Sailor Rest Your Oar
Your Shipmates Have The Watch
Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate
Charleston Base Submarine Veterans
Nick Nichols, Base Chaplain
Susan Cleveland
August 17, 2015
Dear Audrey and family...I am so sorry for your loss. The neighborhood hasn't been the same since you two left...and to hear of this sadness for your family is heartbreaking. May Jack fly high with the Angels. Much love to all...Bill and Susie Cleveland
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