Published in the September 7, 2018 edition
SAUGUS — Don Roche, 62, died peacefully on Saturday, August 25 ,2018 in Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston after a valiant battle against Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia, a very rare blood cancer.
Born on April 16, 1956 in Stoneham, he as was a son of the late Frederick F. Roche Sr. Raised and educated in Melrose alongside his two older brothers, he was a graduate of Northeast Regional Vocational High School.
Don went on to marry Susan M. Lockett on September 12, 1981 in First Congregational church of Wakefield. They built their life together in Saugus, and in 1994 welcomed their daughter Stephanie, who quickly became, and would remain, the apple of her father’s eye.
Professionally, Don was a hard working and talented sheet metal worker. His precise work won him the respect of his co-workers in the Local #17 Sheet Metal Workers Union in Boston, but it was his quick wit that won him their friendship. He had a terrific sense of humor and had mastered both the timing and delivery of the perfect joke. Whether he was enjoying a joke played on someone else, or one made at his expense, Don loved to laugh and did so often.
Despite the challenges his health presented during the last few years, Don remained active within Local #17, and kept in touch with friends and family alike. He always enjoyed a round of golf with his brothers at Mt. Hood Golf Course, a pick up hockey game, waterskiing, a ride on his motorcycle or a tune on his guitar.
His humor, thirst for knowledge, and open mind will be missed, and all those he touched in life are better for having known him.
Don is survived by his wife, Susan and their beloved daughter Stephanie, both of Saugus, his mother, Reta M. (Andersen) Roche of Melrose; his brothers, Frederick F. Roche Jr. and wife Barbara of Raymond, New Hampshire and Kenneth J. Roche of Hooksett, New Hampshire, mother-in-law Jean M. (Sargent) Lockett of Saugus, sisters-in-law Cathy Lockett and partner Carl Long of Amesbury, and Ruth Roche of Pelham, and his nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor of Donald during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Wednesday, August 29 and again on Thursday for his funeral service. Burial was private.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Don’s name to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215.
For online tribute and directions, RobinsonFuneralHome.com
