Edward Michael Roche

Edward (Bud) Michael Roche, 93, passed away on Friday, January 25, 2013 in Scottsdale, AZ. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, February 4, at Church of the Ascension, 9510 West 127th Street, in Overland Park. Visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m. at the church prior to Mass. Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Ed was born on September 29, 1919 in East St. Louis, IL to Michael and Helen Roche. He was married to Margaret Mary Rigney, the love of his life, on August 30, 1941. He was a gunnery instructor in the Army Air Corp from 1942-1945. He retired from the Chicago Northwestern Railroad following a 40+ year career that carried him from St. Louis to Tulsa to Los Angeles to Kansas City. Prior to his death, he had resided in Bradenton, FL for 30 years. Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Roche, his parents, Michael and Helen Roche, his sisters Helen Bowen and Margaret Mary Martin, and his brother Jack Roche. He is survived by his son Bill Roche and his spouse Marge Roche and by his daughter Mary Ellen Gawlik and her spouse Bob Gawlik; five grandchildren and one great grandchild. A positive man of strong principle, a fine artist, a keen student of the Roman Empire and the ancient world and a purveyor of much fun, laughter and joy, he will be dearly missed. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Covenant House Florida, 5931 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL 32801 or Manasota SOLVE, 1509 8th Ave. West, Brandenton, FL 34205.