Neal Douglas Roach

Neal Douglas Roach, born June 10, 1971, at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California, passed away on December 5, 2025, at the age of 54.

Neal was born to Sue and Michael Roach in 1971. His mother Sue remarried in 1974 to Jim Ramirez, who played an integral part in his upbringing. From an early age, Neal’s outgoing spirit and natural warmth made him someone who easily formed lifelong friendships. He spent his childhood in Santa Maria, California, where he played numerous sports, built lasting connections, and attended Tunnell Elementary School and Fesler Junior High before graduating from Santa Maria High School in 1989.

In 1990, Neal moved to Fresno, California for a change of pace and to be closer to friends. There he built a life centered around hard work, community, and the people he loved. He spent much of his career in the restaurant and bar industry, working in bartending and hospitality roles perfectly suited to his friendly personality and gift for making others feel welcome.

In 1999, Neal married Karen Eiler, and in 2003 they welcomed his daughter, Madison Roach, the light of his life. Neal’s love for Madi was deep, steady, and unmistakable in everything he did.

A passionate Los Angeles Dodgers and Fresno State Bulldogs fan, Neal also found fulfillment in his faith and was active with The Well Community Church of Fresno. His lifelong love of cooking and experience in the restaurant world ultimately inspired him to fulfill a lifelong dream: opening his own pizza restaurant, Premo Pizza, in 2018. Through hard work, resilience, and dedication—even through the challenges of COVID—Neal kept his business thriving for five years. Most recently, he was proud to serve as an Area Manager with Performance Food Service of Northern California.

Neal is survived by his daughter, Madison Roach; his mother and stepfather, Sue and Jim Ramirez; his stepmother, Terri Roach; his siblings and their spouses, Cory and Deseraiye Ramirez, Russ and Michelle Ramirez, Barbara Ramirez, Kristina Roach, and Cassie Roach; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his father, Michael Roach, and his grandparents.

Neal’s legacy lives on in the friendships he nurtured, the family he cherished, and the countless lives he touched with his kindness, humor, and unwavering heart.