Thomas Brian Roach

December 1, 1943 - January 29, 2012
Belmont, Massachusetts

Set a Reminder for the Anniversary
of Thomas' Passing

Memorial donations may be made to JLK Sanfilippo Research Foundation, P.O. Box 564, Belmont, MA 02478 or online at www.jlksanfilippofoundation.com

Pause Days Gone By by Bruce H. Zimmerman (ASCAP)

Share This Obituary

Message from the Family

Thank you for your support during this difficult time. Please enhance this tribute to Brian by adding your memories and photos.

Resources

Arrangements made by

Joyce Funeral Home

245 Main Street
Waltham, MA 02453
View Map - Get Directions→

Profile of Joyce Funeral Home→

Tel. (781) 894-2895
Fax. (781) 894-5282
mail@joycefuneralhome.com
Receive Obituary Notifications by Email

Send Flowers

Brasco Florist, 229 High Street, Waltham, MA 02453 781-894-6161

Obituary
Funeral Services
Life Images
Memory Book
Life Stories

Memories & Candles

“To all of the Roach family, our condolences to at Brian's passing. Surely a very sad time for you all..... I remember Brian's wonderful smile and...Read More » ”
1 of 28 | Posted by: Joanne Carney Morin - Raleigh, NC

“To all of the Roach family, our condolences to at Brian's passing. Surely a very sad time for you all..... I remember Brian's wonderful smile and...Read More » ”
2 of 28 | Posted by: Joanne Carney Morin - Raleigh, NC

“One of my first memories is of my brothers, David and Brian, taking turns to push me on the swings in the neighborhood playground. When I was...Read More » ”
3 of 28 | Posted by: Kathy Roach Devin - Quincy, MA

“Dave and Sandy and the entire Roach Family,please except my deepest sympathy on the loss of Brian.I just arrived home from a trip to Florida(Friday...Read More » ”
4 of 28 | Posted by: Peter McGann

“My condolences to you, Shavaun, and to all Brian's family. I remember a few great conversations he and I had- marked by his quick wit and ability to...Read More » ”
5 of 28 | Posted by: Cate McMahon - Wolfeboro, NH

“Brian thanks for all the laughs in the locker room after our daily morning swim... you helped start the day off on the right foot and especially,...Read More » ”
6 of 28 | Posted by: Tony Cicerone - FL

“Our paths crossed briefly. However, in those few moments Brian made a lifetime impact. Shavaun, we are truly sorry for your loss and want you to...Read More » ”
7 of 28 | Posted by: Hala & Mohamad Yassine - GA

“Shavaun, Kevin and Christopher, we are so sorry about Brian's untimely death. Frank has enjoyed Brian's friendship and great wit since the 1970's....Read More » ”
8 of 28 | Posted by: Andrea McCarthy - Lexington, MA

“We have many warm memories of Brian since college days and they have been a consolation to us this past week. He was so quick witted and fun to be...Read More » ”
9 of 28 | Posted by: Tim and Cassie Mahoney - MA

“In the late 70's to mid 80's, The Roaches and and my family lived in a beautiful two family house on Spruce St. in Watertown. Kevin and I were born...Read More » ”
10 of 28 | Posted by: Patrick - Watertown, MA

“Brian Roach was a frequent vistor to our family growing up. My first ride on a motor scooter was on the back of Brian's rented scooter at Hampton...Read More » ”
11 of 28 | Posted by: Helen and Butch Kranz - Hampton , NH

“I did not know Thomas, but his sister Trish is a kind friend of mine. I know that Trish is very, very close to her family. I can only hope that in...Read More » ”
12 of 28 | Posted by: Jeff Kampion - Waterbury, VT

“Brian- you were so full of fun and talent; with a cutting wit and a dry humor. I have so many fond memories- my first job as assistant in your class...Read More » ”
13 of 28 | Posted by: Nancy Ryder McCusker - Arlington, MA

“What a handsome and terrific guy you were, Brian. I rememeber you as an altar boy at Our lady Comforter of the Afflicted. Kathy Lally and I would...Read More » ”
14 of 28 | Posted by: Peg Elson - FL

“Mr. Roach was my high school teacher at Cambridge Rindge and Latin, he was a great mentor to me and helped me decide what I wanted to do in life. He...Read More » ”
15 of 28 | Posted by: Clint McFarland - Quincy, MA

“I'm so sorry for your loss, Kevin & family. My thoughts, love and support go out to all of you. - Kristen ”
16 of 28 | Posted by: Kristen - San Francisco, CA

“Im so very sorry to hear about the loss of your father and love one i will continue to pray for the family and you . may God be with you all in this...Read More » ”
17 of 28 | Posted by: Steven bruff - norfolk, VA

“Brian lived in the apartment below my daughter Mindy (Melinda). He was there for my daughter and I will forever be thankful to him for that and I...Read More » ”
18 of 28 | Posted by: Connie Hubbard - St. Petersburg, FL

“We were friends of Brian his whole life. Our memories go back to the Banks School, St Mary's High School, Hampton Beach, Cedarwood and Cape Cod. Our...Read More » ”
19 of 28 | Posted by: Frankie and Carol Bergin - MD

“Dear Shavaun and Brian's Family, Brian was a great friend and a wonderful person. He will be greatly missed. ”
20 of 28 | Posted by: John and Maryellen Toomey - MA

“I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Love to you and your family georgia ”
21 of 28 | Posted by: georgia wattendorf-guiney - MA

“I remember meeting you as a teen when you came up to Maine for your vacation. I had the privilege of meeting you and your family. One time I took you...Read More » ”
22 of 28 | Posted by: Doug Rich - Trenton, ME - Friend

“Dear Shavaun, David, Kathleen and Patricia, We send our love and prayers to each of you. Sorry we are so far away but we are with you and Brian in...Read More » ”
23 of 28 | Posted by: betsy jones - kailua-kona, HI

“RIP Mr. Roach...Kevin n family---know that you are all in thoughts n prayers. Condolences to the entire family... ”
24 of 28 | Posted by: Lei-Lie E. Tunoa - Carson, CA

“Brian was my friend – a special person with a huge heart and a quick wit. It was his humor that was immediately recognizable but it was his...Read More » ”
25 of 28 | Posted by: Paul Burke - Belmont, MA - Friend

“I send my deepest condolences. Psalm 55:22 ”
26 of 28 | Posted by: Amy Sharpe - Hampton, GA

“Brian was my neighbor and friend, and I will miss him dearly. His generosity, kind spirit, and humor lit up the space around him, and I am honored...Read More » ”
27 of 28 | Posted by: Melinda Hubbard - Belmont, MA

“Brian was a great man. He was very full of life, very artistic and had a great sense of humor. He lived life to its fullest. Whether it was...Read More » ”
28 of 28 | Posted by: Christian Caso - El Segundo, CA

Belmont – Mr. Thomas Brian Roach, of Belmont, died Sunday, January 29, 2012 at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. He was 68.

Brian was born in Waltham on December 1, 1943, a son of the late Thomas A. and Dorothy H. (Carney) Roach and had lived in Waltham and in Framingham for several years before moving to Belmont.

After graduating from St. Mary's High School in Waltham he received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Boston State College. Until his retirement Brian taught special education classes in Cambridge for 30 years. Also included in his teaching resume were classes, demonstrations, and critiques given at local art associations and adult education programs.

As an accomplished painter he attributed his influences in the painting craft to master American painters Robert Douglas Hunter and Robert Cormier of Boston. While studying on location with Mr. Hunter, Brian learned how to use the power of light and shadow to effectively record the special time of day that make a painting true to nature. He learned to paint not what the mind knows, but what the eye sees, remaining true to the visual impression. His art work included scenes of the Charles River, the North End and the Boston Public Gardens.

He leaves his children Christopher P. Roach of Washington, D.C. and Kevin D. Roach of San Francisco, California; his sisters and brother Patricia E. Roach of Belmont, M. Kathleen Devin of Quincy and David J. Roach of Framingham; his fiancé, Shavaun M. O'Neill of West Roxbury and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Brian's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Thursday, February 2nd from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Friday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Mary's Church, 133 School Street, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham.

Memorial donations may be made to JLK Sanfilippo Research Foundation, P.O. Box 564, Belmont, MA 02478.

Visitation

Thursday, February 02
4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Joyce Funeral Home
245 Main Street
Waltham, MA 02453

Get Directions →

Funeral Mass

Friday, February 03
10:00 AM

Saint Mary's Church
133 School Street
Waltham, MA 02451

Get Directions →

Interment

Friday, February 03

Calvary Cemetery
250 High Street
Waltham, MA 02453

Get Directions →

Memories & Candles

Page: 1 of 3

View All View Candles

To all of the Roach family, our condolences to at Brian's passing. Surely a very sad time for you all..... I remember Brian's wonderful smile and unending tolerance of younger cousins hanging around or needing a ride back to Pond Street when I would spend time at your house on Tomlin Street....
You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Much love from NC.
Joanne Carney Morin and Tom Morin and family

Posted by: Joanne Carney Morin - Raleigh, NC - "cousin" Feb 21, 2012

One of my first memories is of my brothers, David and Brian, taking turns to push me on the swings in the neighborhood playground.

When I was young girl, Bri took me to a basketball court to play with the basketball and hear the sounds of the court; he also walked me around his baseball field, and let me try on his catcher mitt and swing the baseball bat.

When we were kids, Bri would narrate the cartoons and TV shows,

... more

One of my first memories is of my brothers, David and Brian, taking turns to push me on the swings in the neighborhood playground.

When we were kids, Bri would narrate the cartoons and TV shows, even the local wrestling matches. He’d call out holds and then tackle me to the ground.
I remember him taking me trick or treating with all the neighborhood kids.

Bri encouraged me to run, swim and ride on the handle bars of his bike.
He never treated me differently; blindness was not an obstacle to him.
Like my parents, Bri always told me I could do anything.

As a junior camp counselor at Camp Green Acres in Waltham, he befriended Stuart, a camper with cerebral palsy. They had a life-long friendship.

In high school, when I became interested in the Civil Rights Movement, Bri read me newspaper articles, as well as plays and poems by playwright James Baldwin, which I couldn't find in Braille. He helped me write an essay about him.

When he had a sausage stand outside Fenway Park on Yawkey Way, he would invite my other blind friends to free sausages before they went into the games. Bri and my husband, Chris, shared a love of all sports and would talk at length about all the games and players.

We both shared a love of literature. Bri loved to listen to my “talking book” records to do his college reading. He was always ready to take me to a concert or play. When I was living in Canada, he would call me just to say hi for no reason, or tell me about books he wanted me to read.

Bri wanted me to “see” his love of art, and made me copper-wire wall hangings of ships, and owls, and lobsters that I could feel -- he’d paint the background behind the raised wire shapes. He also painted what I’m told is a perfect oil portrait of my college graduation yearbook picture. All of them hang in my living room today.

Like my father, Bri never met a stranger.

I will miss him so very much!

Posted by: Kathy Roach Devin - Quincy, MA - Sister Feb 07, 2012

Dave and Sandy and the entire Roach Family,please except my deepest sympathy on the loss of Brian.I just arrived home from a trip to Florida(Friday evening) otherwise I would have attended the wake.Kept Brians memory alive through these difficult days and time will take care of the rest

Posted by: Peter McGann Feb 03, 2012

My condolences to you, Shavaun, and to all Brian's family. I remember a few great conversations he and I had- marked by his quick wit and ability to laugh - like the time I told him my doctor-diagnosed "tennis elbow" was more likely caused by squeezing limes for margaritas that summer.

Like others who signed the book, I too have pictures Brian painted, including a cafe scene outside Faneuil Hall and a portrait of our daughter, Elizabeth, when she was about 8 years old.

Wishing you all well at this sad time,
Cate McMahon

Posted by: Cate McMahon - Wolfeboro, NH - former colleague at CRLS Feb 03, 2012

Brian thanks for all the laughs in the locker room after our daily morning swim... you helped start the day off on the right foot and especially, thanks for the laughs on the golf course, they were priceless and will never be forgotten.
My deepest and most sincere sympathy to Shavaun, Christopher, Kevin and the Roach family.

Posted by: Tony Cicerone - FL - friend and colleague Feb 03, 2012

Our paths crossed briefly. However, in those few moments Brian made a lifetime impact. Shavaun, we are truly sorry for your loss and want you to know that our hearts and thoughts are with you and yours. Love, Hala and Moh

Posted by: Hala & Mohamad Yassine - Alpharetta, GA - Friend Feb 03, 2012

Shavaun, Kevin and Christopher,
we are so sorry about Brian's untimely death.
Frank has enjoyed Brian's friendship and great wit since the 1970's.
I met him later but was struck by his perennially great spirits and his love for literature. We had many conversation about authors, Shakespeare in particular.
In addition, he painted beautiful portraits of both our family homes which we treasure along with other paintings by Brian that we own.
We will miss him in so many ways, not the last of which was his ability to make us laugh.
Love,
Frank and Andrea McCarthy

Posted by: Andrea McCarthy - Lexington, MA - collegue, friend Feb 02, 2012

We have many warm memories of Brian since college days and they have been a consolation to us this past week. He was so quick witted and fun to be with. Tim thinks back to all the field trip to Fenway Park with the guys from CRLS and the official and unofficial golf outings. Brian certainly knew how to live life. We treasure his paintings in our home and will remember him fondly as we look at them. We send our love to Shavaun, Kevin, Christopher and the Roach family.

Tim and Cassie Mahoney

Posted by: Tim and Cassie Mahoney - So. Dennis , MA - Friend Feb 02, 2012

... more

In the late 70's to mid 80's, The Roaches and and my family lived in a beautiful two family house on Spruce St. in Watertown. Kevin and I were born about eight months apart in 1978. We each had our best childhood friend just a floor away from each other. And naturally Brian became a second father to me. Someone that protected me and challenged me to do better like I was a third son.
My earliest memory of Brian was him selling sausages on causeway st. at Fenway Park in the 80's. He'd get me and Kevin into the park for free to run amok. He drove a red volkswagon mini-bus, straight from Woodstock. It reeked of sausages, but was fun to ride in.
Both our families moved. Once I visited Kevin on a sleep over at his new house, and Brian told us a scary story (which we asked for) flat on his back, on the floor, in the dark. He made up a story right off the top of his head that gave me a nightmare. At the conclusion, the bad guy is still out there, breaking into houses by breaking through windows. About 20 min. later, Brian pounds on the window and starts to climb through the window. Great sense of humor.
As many people are aware, his creativity went beyond making up an instant Grimm fairy tale. He was a well studied and accomplished artist. He gave my parents a monet style painting of the Charles River that remains hanging in their home 30 years later. I remeber asking him if he paints things from his memory or made it up. "You never paint from memory, Pat, you paint from what you see." Didn't quite get it then. And his home always smelled of oil paint.
My father-Robert, Brian, Christopher, Kevin (or Duck as Brian like to call him), and myself went camping on Mt. Desert Island summer of 91'. One of those memories words can't even come close. Brian brought us to the secluded part of a lake with a thirty foot rock to jump off into the water. Cosidering backing out at the top of the massive rock, I hesitated a little. "You gonna jump or what, pat? let's go" I jumped. Kevin on the other hand, we almost had to call the fire department, but he finally jumped also.
Brian was a physically strong man and a teacher of people with special needs. When he'd ask me "how're your parents?", he qenuinely wanted to know. I was always welcome in his house. I've known him all of my life. I am really going to miss him. - Patrick Eamon Ford & family

Posted by: Patrick - Watertown, MA - hid son Kevin's best friend Feb 02, 2012

Page: 1 of 3

View All View Candles

Share A Story

Life Stories provides friends and families a forum to post their favorite stories and memories of Thomas Brian Roach ensuring the precious experiences are never forgotten. Share joyful times, post a photo that captures the moments you cherish, and allow others to reply, relive and remember.

Share A Story About
Thomas' Life →

* Your Story:
Connect With Facebook:	Connect your Facebook profile to your story
* Your Name:
* Your Email Address:
Relationship:
City:
State:
Add a photo:	+ Add more photos
* Enter the text shown in the box and click Share

Kevin's Eulogy for Dad

Dad.....

My father spent 33 years of his life preparing me for this very moment…The moment he wouldn’t be there and I would stand alone.

What would I say? How would I act? Could I be the man that my father was?

It was December 1st 1943 at St. Elizabeth’s when my father first began to communicate with the world around him, letting out, what I imagine to be, a loud cry, announcing that he arrived… his little legs kicking… dying to hit the ground running and explore all around him, his little life force already shinning bright and inquisitive.

My father simply loved life and it came careening out of his blue eyes, wide smile and staccato voice with the force of a freight train coming down the tracks.

It ran up hills … skied down mountains… taught in classrooms, splashed into oceans… loved learned… and shined light on all that it touched.

He was an enigma of passions. From Shakespeare to the Celtics, the MFA to the UFC and Hemingway to students with special needs, there wasn’t much my father wasn’t interested in or interested in learning. His Unbridled energy and interests came pouring out, often through his theatrical story telling and unfiltered sense of humor. He could make you laugh.

Beautiful… like his paintings… my father could see the light in you and help you too see it in yourself. For this reason, and many others, people from all walks of life were drawn to him. He cared about what you were saying, your interests. He could innately observe who you were… what you were feeling… and make a connection.

He was the friend you looked for in a crisis situation, clear headed, strong, pragmatic and moral… a natural leader. A man who was unafraid to say what needed to be said, and who stood up for his beliefs. He exuded strength and confidence, made you feel comfortable and safe in his presence.

From 30 years of teaching, many at his beloved Cambridge Rindge and Latin, he lived to educate and put a smile on your face. His genius came from his ability to simplify… get to the heart of the matter and explain complex ideas in a succinct… understandable way.

Fueled by a deep and studied faith in God, and Advil…he lived to help others and make them happy. Whether it was planning a trip to go skiing, buying a round at the bar, doing a favor for a friend or giving you a painting, your smile was his.

Dad’s life was rich and revolved around strengthening his mind and body, be it biking, swimming, or running. By pushing his physical limits he was able to maintain a strong mind and sense of self, build lasting relationships with the many people he cared for.

His undying love for his family, son Christopher, sisters Kathy, and Trisha, brother David and myself was palpable, a living and powerful force you could physically feel and extended to the love of his life Shavaun O’Neill, her family, and his many friends, students and colleagues.

My father’s tremendous spirit and heart have never stopped beating.
It has never stopped loving.

It has never stopped talking, teaching, helping, running or laughing.
It beats on in the hearts of everyone it has ever touched and will live on in the son shining in his image.

I love you Dad.

Kevin's Eulogy for Dad

Dad.....

My father spent 33 years of his life preparing me for this very moment…The moment he wouldn’t be there and I would stand alone.

What would I say? How would I act? Could I be the man that my father was?

My father simply loved life and it came careening out of his blue eyes, wide smile and staccato voice with the force of a freight train coming down the tracks.

It ran up hills … skied down mountains… taught in classrooms, splashed into oceans… loved learned… and shined light on all that... READ MORE →

Posted by Kevin Road from San Francisco, CA - Son on February 20, 2012

Family Login:

Thomas Brian Roach

Share This Obituary

Message from the Family

Resources

Arrangements made by

Joyce Funeral Home

Send Flowers

Brasco Florist, 229 High Street, Waltham, MA 02453 781-894-6161

Memories & Candles

Visitation

Funeral Mass

Interment

Only a single photo has been provided. If you would like to add pictures, please Click Here.

Memories & Candles

* Comment:
Connect With Facebook:	Connect your Facebook profile to your comment
* Your Name:
* Your Email Address:
Relationship:
City:
State:
Add a photo:	+ Add more photos
* Enter the text shown in the box and click Share
	Cancel