Jean Robert Roche

Jean R. Roche, age 93, passed away on June 20, 2021, Father’s Day. The significance not being lost, as Jean was a shining example of everything a father should be: patient, loving, caring, full of wisdom and a wonderful story teller. A truly admired man, by not only his family, but by those who were lucky enough to have known him.

Jean was born on May 12, 1928 in Brive La Gaillarde, France to Andre and Leontine (Plas) Roche. Jean moved to the US with his mother at the age of 11. Jean served in the US Army and was a Korean War Veteran. He was married to Norma Bloomfield for 58 years, until her passing in 2012. They raised 3 daughters, Janine, Yvonne, and Annette.

Jean was a Hotel Manager of the Arlington Hotel in San Francisco for 30 years, then went back to school to become a Travel Agent. Jean was a prominent member of the French Athletic Club, serving as president in 1974, then as treasurer the following 30 years. Jean was a skilled chef, serving as a chef in the Korean War and perfecting it from there. He invented his own salad dressing and wrote a cook book for his family. Jean loved to travel, he visited many countries with his late wife, Norma, and had 28 cruises under his belt. One of his favorite places to visit was North Lake Tahoe. So in 2015, he decided to buy a cabin in Carnelian Bay and was able to enjoy many family trips in his late years. In 1983, Jean started a family tradition of house boating, with nearly 30 trips to date. Jean loved to play cards, dance, bowl, play bocce ball, and watch sports. He continued to impress all with his brilliant memory, activity level, and ways he took care of his family and friends.

Jean is preceded in death by his mother, Leontine Vayssie, his wife, Norma, and his sister, Yvette Battezzato. He is survived by his three children, Janine (Joseph) Martin, Yvonne (Pedro) Ortiz, Annette (Merrill) Buck, his niece, Lynda Hanley, his six grandchildren, Curtis (Shannon), Michelle, Anna (Coleton), Hayden, Amanda, Mitchell, and one great-grandson, Ryan.

Friends and family are welcome to celebrate this wonderful life on July 17, 2021 at 2:00pm at The Basque Cultural Center, 599 Railroad Ave, South San Francisco, CA.