Henry F. Roach Jr.

Born in Winchester, MA, on June 3, 1947, Henry was the second of five children of Henry Roach Sr. and Mary Agnes Kelly. His family moved to Stoneham, MA, during his early childhood.

Henry had several misadventures as a young boy, including setting the living room couch and curtains on fire with his brother Frank, who shared his fascination with matches. Henry also attempted to run away from home but made it no farther than the park at the end of the street. His mother, with a knowing smile, even helped him pack.

Henry’s school years showcased his athleticism across various sports, including baseball, football, and basketball in high school, as well as CYO basketball. A particular point of pride was playing basketball at halftime in The Boston Garden. He was a proud graduate of Arlington Catholic High School in 1965.

Henry attended the University of Massachusetts – Amherst (UMass), earning a B.A. in Sociology. He completed two years before being drafted into the Army, using the G.I. Bill and his own earnings to finish his degree over a ten-year period. Julius Erving attended UMass during this time, and Henry often spoke of enjoying and admiring Dr. J’s basketball skills.

Henry was drafted into the Army on April 16, 1968, serving until April 15, 1970, as a Military Policeman (MP) and Charge of Quarters (CQ). He received the National Defense Service Medal, Sharpshooter (Rifle), and Marksman (Pistol) awards. His Army service gave him an appreciation for people from all over the country and sparked a lifelong love of reading.

Henry dedicated a significant portion of his professional life to public service at the U.S. Department of Labor. His tenure began in Workers' Compensation, and he later transitioned to an Investigator role within Labor Management Standards. Beyond his official duties, Henry actively engaged with his union as an editor and contributor for The NULI News. After 28 years of commitment, he retired in January 2004. His years spent advocating for labor union members instilled in him a profound understanding and empathy for the challenges faced by everyday individuals. This wasn't just a theoretical stance for Henry; he embodied compassion in his actions, consistently giving both privately and publicly to people and causes he felt deserved support…leading to quite the assortment of address labels.

Henry met his wife, Patricia, in 1978 while working at the Office of Workers’ Compensation. They married in 1986, and in 1987, relocated to Florida to build their life together. Their greatest joy came in 1992 with the arrival of their son, David—their treasure. Henry’s love for his family was unwavering, expressed through both his words and actions. In the last years of Patricia’s work life, Henry lovingly prepared a daily salad for her, adding surprising ingredients just to keep it interesting. He enjoyed quizzing David with math problems and challenging him to read physical road maps during trips.

Henry had a deep love for music, with tastes spanning Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, John Prine, Marianne Faithfull, Sinéad O’Connor, Joan Armatrading, and Warren Zevon. A favorite song was Bob Dylan’s The Times They Are A-Changin’, which he’d sing along to with his mother while playing air guitar.

One of Henry’s greatest passions was horse racing. He attended the Kentucky Derby each year from 1972 to 2010, and August was always reserved for the Travers Stakes in Saratoga. He collected Derby glasses, racing programs, and other memorabilia, and shared his love for handicapping with others. Another interest was the stock market, which he avidly followed, making predictions and sharing his insights with David, now working in the field.

Birding was another cherished hobby, whether in quiet moments or on outings with David. With binoculars and guidebooks in hand, Henry would eagerly stop to identify a bird, his enthusiasm contagious. He encouraged others to keep a bird list, finding joy in every new sighting and the conversations that followed.

Henry admired many great athletes, including Larry Bird, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, Tom Brady, Joe Burrow, George Foreman, and Muhammad Ali. He often spoke fondly of the time he and a friend waited outside a gym in Boston to catch a glimpse of Ali. Not only did they meet him, but Ali sat on the curb with them, talked, and signed autographs. That moment made Henry a fan for life.

He loved a spirited exchange of ideas and approached conversation as a sport of sorts. While he didn’t necessarily welcome different opinions, he relished the challenge they posed. Politics and beliefs were often at the heart of his curiosity, and he was happiest when he could provoke a good debate. Whether in-person or online, he used sharp wit, well-reasoned arguments, and dry humor to make his case—and to keep things lively.

Beyond his immediate family, Henry was deeply grateful for the unwavering support he received during his illness. His sister-in-law, Carolyn Cockrell, was a constant source of care and support for Henry, Patricia, and David. Her kindness and dedication meant the world to him, and he was forever grateful.

As Henry often reminded us, echoing the words of Warren Zevon, “Enjoy every sandwich.” It was more than just a phrase—it captured his approach to life. He found pleasure in the small things: a lively conversation, a bird spotted in the yard, a surprising ingredient in a salad, or simply relaxing with a well-chosen glass of 10-year-old Port. He enjoyed sampling new Ports to see if they suited his palate and wasn’t impartial to a fine Sherry now and then. These quiet rituals reflected his ability to savor the moment and embrace life fully and deliberately.

Henry’s love, intelligence, and wit will be deeply missed. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; his son, David; his brother, Frank Roach; his sisters, Cynthia Roach, Mary Elizabeth Roach, and Nancy Roach; his sister-in-law, Carolyn Cockrell; his dear friends from the Rodriguez and Simpson clans; along with many cousins and other cherished friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Mary Roach.

He will be forever loved.