Edward J Roach Jr.

‘Smiling Ed’ was born on August 28, 1926, in Rumford, Maine, the third of three children of Edward Joseph Roach and Charlotte Helen (Whalen) Roach.

He attended school at St. Athanasius and graduated from Stephens High School, class of 1945 - both in Rumford.

He met the love of his life, Barbara Ann Mortenson, at the dance hall in Shelburne, New Hampshire. They married on April 3, 1948. They raised their four children in Dixfield.

Ed’s early working career included a paper route. While he was in high school, he worked for the Post Office delivering mail and packages. He also worked driving an ice cream truck, which he used to take his Driver’s license road test.

Ed was a seventeen-year-old high school student when his country called him to serve in the Army Air Corps. His date of enlistment was 9 Dec 1943. Ed was Honorably Discharged from military service on 10 Feb 1947. He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal.

Following his military service Ed started his employment at Oxford Paper Company where he worked as a Licensed Boiler Operator and Steam Engineer. Serving the later years as a foreman in the ‘C’ recovery area.

His community service was as a long-time member of the local school board, serving on the original SAD 21 board. He continued service to Dixfield as a Selectman from May 1988 to June 1997. Also starting in 1988, Ed represented Dixfield on the Med-Care Board of Directors.

Ed served his church as a Council member and lent his wonderful voice to the choir of St. Joseph’s Mission in Dixfield. He was proud to be a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Ed also enjoyed his time singing with RAAPA during a few of their Christmas shows.

He was a charter member of the local Lions Club. In 2016 he was awarded the Lions Club Golden Cane for exemplary service and dedication. He also maintained membership in the Rumford Falls Aerie 1248 Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Ed was proud of his life memberships in LeParesseux Snowshoe Club, the VFW, the American Legion and the 40 & 8.

He served as Commander of VFW Post 1641. During his more than 60 years in the American Legion he held many offices at the local, district and state levels including State Commander. Ed also served on several national level committees.

Ed was a proud Veteran and proud American.

Ed served on the Special Olympics Board of Directors and volunteered at numerous Winter Games.

He continued to be a proud host to the annual Fourth of July Parade on the beach at Roxbury Pond. This over 40-year-old tradition started with grandkids and neighbor kids playing kitchen pots and pans with wooden spoons in an ad-hoc parade around the yard.

He is survived by his son Donald and wife Carol of Peru, daughter Sue of Mexico and son-in-law Jerry Clark of Cornville, his daughter Barbara Chambers of Roxbury Pond, and son Richard and wife Joyce of Vassalboro. Also, by his grandchildren Karen Roach and Sherry Bradley; Edward J. Roach, III (Joe) and wife Chrissy; Mary and wife Kara Roach; Melanie Boucher; Shane and wife Emily Clark; Suzanne (Suzi) and Michael Legere; Katie Chambers; Stephanie and Sam Lafavor; Monica and Kit Crooks; Micah Roach.

His great-grandchildren Elliot and Sawyer Roach, Marley Berry, Alex and Camryn Boucher; Annie and Matt Tice, Emma, Lizzie, Asa, Aidan, Rosa-Mae, Abel, Simeon, Lily-Anne and William Clark; Nate and wife Mackenzie Legere, Maddie and Ali Legere; Kiley Gould; Cameron, Hayden and Natalie Lafavor; Colton and Blake Crooks.

His great-great grandchildren Lucy Tice; Octavia, Lyla, Kali and Payson Legere.

And the best friend a family could have, Elaine Michaud of Mexico.

Ed is also survived by many nieces and nephews as well as his loving in-laws Priscilla Mortenson; Leona Marchand; Rita Mortenson; Betty and Bob Filiault; Don and Alicia Mortenson; Helen and Rich Kalama who were a big part of his life.

He was predeceased by his dear wife of nearly 60 years, Barbara in 2008; his parents; brother Allan B. ‘Barney’ in 2013 and his wife Helen in 2012; sister Beatrice who perished in the 1941 Don Disaster; brothers-in-law Warren (Buddy) Mortenson, Alfred (Al) Marchand, Richard (Dick) Mortenson, Robert (Bob) Delargy; son-in-law Timothy Chambers in 2022.

Thanks to home health aide Ashley and nurse Terry, of Androscoggin Home Health for compassion and care. Their kindness and professionalism brought Ed joy and comfort. We appreciate Deacon Rod’s visits, friendship and helping our dad stay connected to his faith. Special thanks to Doreen Shurtleff of P’zazz for pampering our dad every two weeks and truly caring.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to a charity of your choice in Ed’s memory.

or:

Recognizing his love of ice cream and delight in sharing, why not treat a friend or neighbor to a frozen dairy delight.

He exemplified Be Kind and was often heard to say, “carry on.”

Visitations will be held on Monday, May 15, 2023, from 4 to 7PM at S.G. Thibault Funeral Home, 250 Penobscot Street, Rumford.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at 10:00 AM at Parish of Holy Savior, 126 Maine Street, Rumford.

Interment to follow at St. John’s Cemetery, 49 Isthmus Road, Rumford.

Arrangements under the direction of Thibault Remembrance Center Affiliate of The Fortin Group Funeral Homes, 250 Penobscot Street, Rumford, Maine 04276