Edward Thomas Roche

Edward Thomas Roche, age 55, a Chicago Paramedic/Firefighter/Engineer for 32 years, was the cherished husband of Lisa (nee Franklin) for 21 years. Proud father of Kevin, Alex, Megan, and Rachel. Best friend and identical twin brother to Tom “Uncle Dude”, a Captain with the Chicago Fire Department. Dear brother of William (Christiane), Colleen (Dan) Dunne, and Paul. Fond son-in-law of Marianne, retired Chicago Police Department (the late Michael “Benjy”) Franklin. Kind brother-in-law of Dave Franklin, Mike (Kelly) Franklin, Chicago Fire Department. Son of Richard and Carol. Supportive uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Ed loved his morning cups of coffee with his wife Lisa while watching the birds out their kitchen window. He enjoyed watching home improvement videos and being able to complete the same projects at home with his sons. He’s famous for always letting his kids know his three favorite words. He would not leave for work until he checked in on us and gave each a kiss goodbye. His face truly lit up any time he was with his kids. He was so happy to have us all back under one roof for the summer. He looked forward to going to every single practice, game, travel tournament, showing up wearing the t-shirt for our team. You could find him at least once a week, with his American flag, singing “Proud to be an American” with his daughter Rachel, and he especially looked forward to every afternoon with his best friend “Dude”.

When people talk about family, Ed was lucky to have three. Not only did he have us, but he also had the Chicago Fire Department and the best neighbors/friends anyone could ask for. He was also the best carpool driver, having half the neighborhood in the Yukon delivering everyone to their front door, always making sure they got home safe. Ed would make sure there was always enough freeze pops, joking that as his kids got bigger, he would have to move the lock from the freezer to the fridge with the cold Miller Lites.

Ed was the only person we knew who looked forward to going to work; loving the guys he worked with and seeing them as his boys. Ed had his nightly routine before work, as he was so excited to be back with his boys for the next day. With his commitment to his routine before work, he became the only Cubs fan to fall asleep during Game 7 of the World Series because he had to work the next morning; work was simply more important. Ed was dedicated to his job never looking for a pat on the back or round of applause.

Ed will be truly missed and forever be a hero in our hearts.

Friends and family will gather for a visitation for Edward that will be held Wednesday, June 26, 2024 from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 West 103rd Street, Oak Lawn, Illinois. A chapel funeral service will follow on Thursday, June 27, 2024 beginning at 10:00 AM at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home. Interment private.