This is a year late, but I only had Mr. Roach as a teacher for a little less than 2 weeks, but in that time, Mr. Roach was perhaps one of the teachers I actually connected with. He was taken away from his family, his friends and his students too early. I miss him, I really do.
-MIHS student of Mr. Joseph Roach, written October 7th, 2025

I moved out of Florida in 2021 and only just learned of Mr. Roach's passing. He was an amazing man and an incredible mentor, and genuinely, I was just sharing stories of some of his memorable lectures to my friends here in Illinois only days ago. Mr. Roach inspired me to get a degree in Political Science after graduating from MIHS and to try my hand in teaching for several years. I consider him one of the most important people I've ever known, and I can only hope to one day have a legacy like his. Thank you for everything, Mr Roach.

Joe was an amazing teacher that cared for his students a whole ton he also mentored a bunch of aspiring educators that were in university to become teachers like myself. His infectious enthusiasm and passion will be missed at MIHS and the community.

Mr. Roach’s class was my first at MIHS, and it quickly became the highlight of my first year.  Mr. Roach had a talent for bringing history to life for his students, once he even enlisted upperclassmen to reenact the dramatic story of Thomas Becket and Henry II, creating an unforgettable performance. He encouraged me to embrace my passion for history and is one of the reasons I am a history professor today. I will always remember his infectious smile and his deep commitment to his students’ success, even after they had left MIHS. Thank you, Mr. Roach. Until we meet again.

Mr. Roach stands out when I think back about my time at Merritt Island high School. He just cared so much about all of his students and about teaching us government. I know the Merritt Island High School community will miss him dearly!

Mr. Roach had the biggest impact on my life and I'm going to miss him dearly. His daily jokes, his over the top lectures, everything.

I only knew  Joe for a short time while we were planning the MIHS Class of '83 Reunion but I could tell he was a special human that was a bright light to MIHS and others.   He was so enthusiastic and helpful to our committee, helping us sort out details over zoom meetings and coordinating the school tour.  He also came to our reunion last October to sell t-shirts and engage with the alumni.  His smile and enthusiasm for MIHS was a true gift to the community and he will be greatly missed.  I am unable to attend the memorial, as I live out of state,  but I will be there in spirit.  Sincere condolences to his family and friends.

I am sorry to hear of Joe's passing. I taught him as a student.  Please know you all are in my prayers.                       Arleen Bounds

I never would have expected to enjoy a history class as much as I did in Mr. Roach’s class. His pure optimism and attitude made it so much better for me, as someone who struggled in school. He was always kind, patient, and put in his best effort to encourage his students to do the same. My heart hurts hearing of his loss, but I know many appreciated him, and I hope they will never forget his memory. To all of his family, I hope you can have peace, and for all of his students, let’s never forget him and his hard work.

Sending warmest sympathies to all the Roach family. Joe is clearly a bright light that touched so many lives in great ways. Wishing peace and comfort to you all and that through your sadness you find smiles for the memories. This world is clearly better for having Joe in it.

Mr. Roach was the best teacher and mentor I had in high school. I got to work with him a lot through student government. He was able to turn me into a leader and always encouraged me to never give up on my dreams. It was always so great to visit him after graduation and share life accomplishments. He was always so proud! Mr. Roach was a wonderful man and educator. He will be greatly missed.

Homecoming was always a busy time for student government. Mr. Roach always made setting up a fun time. This experience won't be the same without him. He had so much pride for MIHS!

Mr. Roach was a light in the lives of so many students, and will never be forgotten. I am so blessed that my two children had the honor and privilege of being taught and mentored by him. He had a profound impact. Gone too soon and will be so sorely missed. 🤍

I was so saddened to hear of Mr. Roach’s passing. He is one of those teachers you never forget. He was truly dedicated and passionate in his profession. I do crossword puzzles all the time and it hit me the other day that it all started from Mr. Roach having us do some for SAT crossword prep in class and made me smile. Thank you for your passion and all the memories Mr. Roach!

Mr. Roach was one of those teachers who truly made a difference in my life. He had a deep passion for life and a genuine care for his students. I will always remember him for those attributes. My condolences to his family. The memories he gave us all will be cherished dearly…he is someone who has left behind a legacy.

mr. roach was one of the first people i went to after i threw my cap on 5.23.23. he hugged me as tight as he could and told me how proud he was of me. he was there for me during my junior and senior year and he was a rock for not just me, but for so many other students who needed the support he gave. my heart breaks thinking that the world is dimmer without his light. his impact left a huge impression on my character and how i view the world. he taught me to think for myself, to always be critical of others and the media and told me to keep doing what i love most.  he supported a lot of my hobbies and we bonded a lot over shared interests in movies and music and even the love for sci-fi and fantasy ( even though he preferred sci-fi more ) movies.  i’m struggling to comprehend the fact that he’s gone, the fact that i won’t be able to tell him or show him my improvements anymore or even tell him about how my day has been.   i’m not from merritt island originally, but he was the one to instill the message ‘once a mustang, always a mustang’ into my soul. i’ll take that with a heavy heart and pride on my shoulders if it means it’ll make him proud.

rest in peace, joe roach. 
you were always my favorite teacher. 

— autumn ringrose, class of 2023.

The passing of my former government teacher, Mr. Roach, has broken my heart. The impact you've made on me and so many young souls is incredible. I know that I wasn't as close to you as other students may have been. But your passion in NASA and Government is just so inspiring. And because of your passion, you recognized my passion for government and nominated me for an award in social studies my junior year of high school. You cared about your job so much, because you cared so much about the children learning. I am extremely certain that your co-workers have even felt inspired to become a passionate teacher because of you. I may have criticized your HUGE amounts of workload, but I always knew that it was because of the right reasons (even though I may have not liked it.) I wanted to see you again at my sister's graduation this year so I could ask you what your political beliefs are, but now I won't be able to do that...I have been fortunately blessed with many great teachers in my life, and you are one of those many blessed teachers.
Rest in peace, Joe Roach

I did not know Mr. Roach very long. I only had his class for these first two weeks of school, but even in that time I learned from him. He was extremely supportive of all his students and made his classroom a safe space. Every morning when we would walk into class, he would ask us what was going on in the world right now. He was the first teacher I met for freshman orientation. He was a mustang through and through.

My deepest condolences to Jason and the Roach family, and to the MIHS family and MI community who have lost a standout, stand-up dynamo of a teacher. Glad to have befriended you through your brother. Upset I won't be able to "get you back" for sneakily paying that tab when we all last met! Look forward to hearing that promised presentation on Space Shuttle Columbia when I join you and the STS-107 crew in Paradise. Godspeed, Joe Roach, true and faithful servant.

Spirit week 2020! Joe was always my partner in crime! We talked every day. God speed  and God bless!

Mr. Roach was of the first teachers to challenge me intellectually and as a leader. I sought out to be in his classes as I knew he would be an engaging teacher and was passionate. He inspired many and helped so many students take the next steps in their education and adulthood. Once a Mustang, always a Mustang.

Carol, I want to express my deepest sympathies to you and your family during this difficult time. Joe was not only a colleague but also a friend. He not only had an incredible ability to connect with his students and ignite a passion for learning in them, but his dedication went beyond the classroom, touching the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. I am sure that his memory will continue to inspire many. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. 
Mary Fredericks

Mr Roach was truly a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of having him as my teacher when I first started at MIHS 15 years ago. I had him as my teacher for all 4 years and just the knowledge that he had and the passion he had for teaching this knowledge made me always excited to come to his class.  He was so passionate and wanted his students to excel and he was always engaged with all the extracurricular activities and organizations that was at MIHS. There will always be a missing piece at MIHS and we will miss him tremendously. Sending my prayers to his family and friend's. “Once a Mustang, always a Mustang.” 💛🖤

I have no doubt that Mr Roach was a pivotal and memorable teacher in most of his student's lives. No one had more passion and genuine love and excitement for both teaching and learning like him. Everyone knows teachers are underappreciated yet he never was not smiling and excitable in the classroom. His work and teaching style was super engaging that made you leave with his lessons for life. I hope to see a flood of memories pour in from other people whose lives were touched by this man. I had him for two years of high school, and I learned more in my AP classes and RETAINED more in those classes than even college courses. May he be blessed and in peace.

Joe Roach was special. I spent a year with him as his intern in class and I would not trade that for anything. I will not forget the funny sayings he wrote on his board each morning.  The special birthday song he sang to anyone who wanted it. His stories of Russian war medals. How he looked all dressed up as George Washington. And his love for NASA. 

Joe Roach cared about his school, and his students, and he went above and beyond to show that he cared for me and my future. He was my biggest supporter. My role model and my friend. He will be dearly missed.

I was in Mr. Roaches class for Ap Government during my junior year which was a very rough time in my life and Mr. Roach was always very kind and understanding with me during my hardships. He genuinely showed me the importance of voting and taught me many other things over the year I had him as a teacher. I was very sad to hear about his passing and I will always remember him as a kind-hearted, lovely man.

I learned of his passing with great sadness.  He was my former student, my friend, and my colleague. He graduated from MIHS and returned to teach there.  He was heavily involved in many activities that impacted the lives of MIHS students in such a positive way and gave so freely of his time and energy for their benefit.  He loved our school, its staff, and its students and in return was loved, respected, and valued.  He will be missed.

for the 2 weeks mr roach was my teacher he was a great one. he spoke very highly of his family and he was very proud to teach at merritt island high. the last time i talked to him we had bonded over him visting scotland and my aunt living there. he had such a pure heart. im glad i got to be his student even if it was a short amount of time.

OBITUARY

Joseph Evans Roach

April 2, 1968 – August 26, 2024

Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home

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