Raymond P. Roche

Raymond Roche, age 84, of Rocky Hill , Connecticut, formerly of Hartford, Connecticut, passed away due to natural causes on Thursday, August 25, 2022, after a long and full life. Ray is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dorothy Lumsden Roche, originally from Greensboro, Vermont, and his son, Paul Roche, of Morris, Connecticut and many nieces and nephews. Born in Hartford, he was the son of Carroll and Elsie Brown Roche, and was predeceased by two brothers, John (Jack) Roche and Robert Roche. Ray grew up on Newberry Street in Hartford, and attended A.I. Prince Technical School. He followed his brother Jack into the sheet metal trade, and was a lifelong member of Sheet Metal Workers Local 40. After marrying, Ray and Dotty lived on Somers Street for many years, where they raised their son Paul.

Ray loved summer vacations at the family cabin in Vermont, which he built himself, and, in retirement, long winter vacations on the east coast of Florida. In particular, Ray and Dotty became regulars at Kingston Shores in Ormond-by-the-Sea, Florida, where they developed several long-term friendships with other regulars. Ray was an avid walker for many years, loved to strike up conversations with anyone and everyone, and enjoyed telling stories about the old days. He brought a smile to many an acquaintance’s face. Ray’s was a life well lived. Unfortunately, he struggled with dementia in recent years, and suffered several health setbacks earlier this year. He will be missed very much and will forever hold a place in our hearts.

The funeral will be a private service with close family members. In place of sending flowers, we invite you to make a donation in Ray’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association.