Obituary of Bill Roche

M. William Roche of Stamford, CT died peacefully at home with his family by his side on April 12, 2014. Bill was born in New London, CT on April 1, 1928. After high school at Bulkeley School, he graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Bill's dedication to serving his country led him to memorize the eye chart to get in the Navy in World War II. He later served as a Second Lieutenant in the Army in Korea earning a Bronze Star. Bill married his college sweetheart, Dolores Robert, in Cohoes in 1953. Bill launched a brilliant 39 year career with Pfizer. He paved an adventurous trail abroad with 20 years of international leadership in Canada, United Kingdom, and in Belgium. Bill served as Chairman Pfizer UK, President Pfizer Europe, and President Animal Health Group. RPI continued to receive support and leadership from Bill as an Alumni Association Fellow. His beloved Dolores died in 1982. Bill found love again and has been married to Mary Elizabeth Paul for the last 24 years. In retirement Bill enjoyed his time at both Winged Foot Golf Club and Harbour Ridge Yacht and Country Club. He will be dearly missed by his wife Mary Elizabeth and his children: Marie (Chris), Lori (Royce), Ellen (Brian), Bill ( Lisa), Bob (Judiann), and Mark. He was also blessed with twelve grandchildren and a brand new great grandchild. Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 15, 2014 from 4-8 PM at Shippan's Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home (same building as Bosak) 453 Shippan Ave Stamford, CT (203)359-9999. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 AM on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at St Michael the Archangel Parish 469 North Street Greenwich, CT. The burial will follow at St John Cemetery, Darien, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rensselaer at www.rpi.edu/giving/ways.html in honor of M.W.Roche ('51) Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.gallagherfuneralhome.com Read Bill Roche's Obituary and Guestbook on gallagherfuneralhome.com.