Robert Stennett Roach

Robert Stennett Roach, 80, passed away at 2:43 p.m. on Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at Sunny Acres Nursing Home. Bob was born on August 19, 1936 at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, IL to Ruth Jane (Stennett) and John Richard Roach. He attended Cathedral Grade School and in 1954 graduated Cathedral Boys High School and then St. Louis University with a BA Degree in Political Science. He also studied Accounting at SIUE. While living in Florida, Bob worked as a Laborer and as a Substitute Teacher. After returning to IL he worked as a Highway Technician and an Accountant for the State of IL. He also worked construction in IL as a laborer, welder, and in Texas constructing oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. Throughout his life Bob enjoyed Big Band Swing music and played the trumpet. He was an avid golfer, caddying at Illini Country Club in High School and was a contender in City Golf Tournaments. Later in life he was a regular at Lincoln Greens Golf Course and treasured his visit to the Masters Championship with family and friends. College football and basketball were high on his list of spectator sports with Notre Dame being his favorite team. He was a Cubs fan and followed their success with excitement and great interest this year. While living in Chatham, Bob was a member of Sacred Heart Parish attending First Friday rosaries and frequently acting as an altar server. Bob was devoted to his family, caring for his mother and her two sisters for many years. He was preceded in death by his sister, Theresa, his parents, and this past June by his brother, Charles R. Roach. He is survived by two sisters, Mary Jane (Sam) Madonia and Paula R. Wheeler, 11 nieces and nephews, 11 great nieces and nephews and 2 great-great nieces and nephews, all of whom he was extremely proud, and numerous cousins. Family will receive friends from 10:30 until 11:30 a.m. on Monday, October 31, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 730 South 12th St., Springfield. A decade of the rosary will precede a Funeral Mass at 11:30 with Rev. Jim Isaacson celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Springfield Supportive Living, 2034 East Clear Lake Avenue, Springfield, IL 62703 or Sunny Acres Nursing Home, 19130 Sunny Acres Road, Petersburg, IL 62675. The staff at both residences was consistently caring, respectful and engaged in Bob's care. They provided continued support not only to Bob, but to his family. Their kindness was and continues to be greatly appreciated.