David W. Roche, 93, of Little Silver, passed away Nov. 23, 2021, at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank. Son of the late David Roche and Helen Foley Roche, Dave was born Jan. 20, 1928, in New York City and raised in the Kingsbridge section of the Bronx. He graduated from Power Memorial Academy and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Saint John’s University.
A veteran of the U.S. Army, Dave served the country during the Korean War. He later worked as a sales agent for the Allstate Insurance Company in Bayonne, a position he held for over 40 years. Blessed with a keen wit and sharp sense of humor, whenever he was asked what he attributed his long career with Allstate to, he would usually smile and say, “No one has endurance like the man who sells insurance!”
Dave had numerous passions which remained constant throughout his life: the Opera, the New York Mets, the outdoors, anything and everything that was Irish, and anything that was made in or had any relationship to the state of Rhode Island, a place dear to his heart. Both of Dave’s parents, originally from Rhode Island, established a second home there, which Dave and his family continued to enjoy throughout his life. Many happy years were spent driving to Rhode Island in the family station wagon with Joan, the kids, and of course Sport, the beagle member of the family.
Aside from his family, Dave’s biggest passion was bird watching. From his beginnings as a young bird watcher in Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, to eventually traveling far and wide, Dave was always looking for an opportunity to spot a rarity that he might be able to add to his “life list.” Dave was active with The New Jersey Audubon Society and at one point served as president of the Urner Ornithological Club of New Jersey. Many of Dave’s greatest passions he shared with his children and grandchildren.
Dave is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Joan Camillery Roche; his loving children, daughter Joanne Gutleber and her husband Paul, son Tom Roche and his wife Ann; his cherished grandchildren, Luke and Erik Gutleber; and numerous other friends and family members. He was predeceased by his eldest son David.
Visitation took place Dec. 6 at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. A funeral Mass followed at The Church of the Nativity, Fair Haven. Interment followed at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Red Bank. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dave’s memory to the New Jersey Audubon Society at njaudubon.org or to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia at chop.edu.
The article originally appeared in the December 9 – 15, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
