Obituary of Brian Roche

" Brian Roche, 60 of Old Stafford Rd., resided in Holland since 1974, died December 21, 2004 at his home. Born in Palmer, MA on August 15, 1944, son of the late Bernard J. and Eileen M. (Kennedy) Roche. Mr. Roche was raised in Palmer, graduated from Palmer High School in 1962, and educated at local colleges, where he earned his degree. Mr. Roche served his country in the US ARMY from 1962-1965. He retired October 10, 2003 after working for 28 years as a regional sales representative and manager for Zep Manufacturing in Brockton, MA. Brian was the president and main lecturer of Flag Tales from 1982 to the present time, and a member on the New England Vexologist Association. He was a past master of the Masonic Thomas Lodge in Palmer for over 15 years, and recipient of the Joseph Warren Medal. Brian was a scoutmaster and involved with the boys scouts for over 19 years as well as a communicant of St. Christopher’s Church in Brimfield. He is survived by his wife of 38 years Marlene (Kempf) Roche, two children, Kris Roche of Bondsville and Laura Girard of Palmer. He also leaves a sister Sandra Trombley of Beaver Creek, OH, two brothers David Roche of Sturbridge and Kevin Roche of Holland, and five grandchildren Steven, Krystina, Caitlin, Brady and Cameron. A funeral service will be Friday at 9:15 am from the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home, followed by a mass at 10:00 am in St. Thomas Church, Palmer, MA. Burial will follow in Holland Cemetery. Calling hours are Thursday from 5-8:00 pm with a Masonic service at 7:00 pm. Donations may be made in his memory to Shriner’s Hospital, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104. "