Ken Roche has passed

Former West Hartford Rotarian, Ken Roche, passed away on May 4th. 

 

Kenneth F. Roche, age 86, passed away May 4, 2023. Ken was born in Hartford, CT on October 16, 1936 to John and Viola Roche. Ken is survived by his wife, Mary F. Roche, sons Brian and Peter Roche, and his grandchildren Serena, and Ken.

 

Spending time with his family and grandchildren was what he cherished most. He is predeceased by his siblings, John, Harold and Barbara Roche. Ken attended Hartford Public H.S. before joining the U.S. Army. Upon his Honorable Discharge, Ken attended Providence College graduating in 1962. Eventually, Ken took over J.L. Roche, the family business, selling and servicing household appliances and televisions. Ken was also an early advocate for sales and use of personal video technology - cameras, recorders and players. Long before there was Blockbuster and streaming video, Ken was renting VHS tapes and laser discs, offering people a chance to watch movies at home. Ken enjoyed sailing, beach life, traveling, socializing, volunteering, and attending college reunions.

 

Rotary International was a very important part of his life and he served the organization and the community for nearly 50 years. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Ken’s name to the Old Saybrook Rotary Club, P.O. Box 1125 Old Saybrook, CT 06475. A Funeral Mass will be held at Saint John’s Church, 161 Main Street in Old Saybrook, CT on Friday, May 19, 2023 at 10:30AM. To share a memory of Ken or send a condolence to his family please visit www.rwwfh.com Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook is in care of the arrangements.