Robert David Roach

Robert David Roach, 67 of Longwood Florida, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on March 7, 2023. Bob had recently been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and received a successful bone marrow transplant from his son, Mike. Sadly, in his weakened state he contracted pneumonia and was not able to rebound from it. He was born in Johnson City, Tennessee on March 25, 1955 to John and Josephine Roach who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by brothers John and Jim Roach.

Bob attended Science Hill High School and developed a passion for lighting working with his Uncle George, lighting shows at the Appalachian Fair in Gray, Tennessee. He would then launch his career working on the road with TERI Productions in Knoxville, Tennessee where he spent several years traveling the country and the world lighting shows for ZZ Top, Waylon Jennings, and countless others. He later worked for Knoxville Scenic Studios and Electronic Theater Controls (ETC). Bob owned his own business, Lights Up, Inc. in the 1980’s where he provided theatrical lighting for the 1982 World’s Fair while mentoring and helping launch the career of several in the lighting industry. He began working for SESCO Lighting shortly after relocating to the Orlando, Florida area and recently celebrated his 24th anniversary of employment with his SESCO family.

Bob was very much a “MacGyver” and those who knew him can attest to his ability to problem solve and fix almost anything. He felt very strongly about supporting others and there are countless stories of those who he helped through mentoring, employment opportunities, and support in the lighting profession. Bob always had a story to tell that would make you laugh and an unlimited amount of trivia to share.

Bob was kind, generous, and honest. Family meant everything to Bob, and he loved and supported them throughout his life. He was active in youth sports and scouting with his son Mike and supported his wife Leila in furthering her education. He was passionate about the mountains, hiking, yard projects, and training his dogs. He cherished the annual family trips to the mountains in the western US and Switzerland for hiking, camping, biking, and summiting a few of the Colorado 14ers. He lived life to the fullest, believing that one should not wait to travel and embrace the experiences life had to offer. He encouraged others to do the same.

Bob is survived by his beloved German Shepherds, Zeus and Hazel; wife of 42 years, Leila Roach; son, Michael Roach; daughter-in-law, Natasha Ellison Roach; sister, Josephine Hemphill; brother-in-law, Chris Hemphill, and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Behind the Scenes https://wp.behindthescenescharity.org/ an organization that provides financial support to entertainment technology industry professionals, or their immediate dependent family members, who are seriously ill or injured. Their Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Initiative provides tools and resources to support entertainment industry workers and promote mental health and psychological safety. Donations can also be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or a charity of your choice.