Obituary of William Roche

William “Bill” Francis Roche Jr., (NHPD, ret.) 86 of East Haven passed away December 8, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. He was born January 17, 1928 in New Haven to the late William and Loretta (Coughlin) Roche. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Shirley (Wilde) Roche and eight children; William Roche III of Clinton, Michael Roche of West Haven, James Roche (Phyllis) of Melbourne, FL., Karen Pompano (Anthony) of East Haven, Paul Roche (Catherine) of Pembroke, NH, Christopher Roche (Lisa) of Amherst, NH, Kevin Roche (Nancy) of Clinton and Kimberly Roche of Bethany, fifteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister Loretta Wylie and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Bill attended HillHouse High School, Southern CT State University, University of New Haven and the FBI National Academy. He was a US Navy veteran of WWII and retired from the New Haven Police Department as a Commander in 1986 with over 32 years of service. Bill was a recipient of the New Haven Police Dept. Silver Medal for Commendable Service. He was a member of CT State Police Assoc., FBI Academy Assoc., East Haven Stoners, New Haven Police Retirees Assoc., and was Past Commander of the American Legion Post 89. He also served the town of East Haven contributing to the Inland/Wetland Committee, Planning & Zoning Board and Board of Finance. Family will receive friends from 9 AM till 11:30 AM on Thursday, December 11, 2014 at the Clancy Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. Funeral procession will leave Clancy Funeral Home at 11:40 AM for a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 PM (Noon) in St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with Committal to follow at East Lawn Cemetery, East Haven. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Father McGivney Center for Cancer Care, 589 George Street, New Haven CT 06511 in memory of William Roche Jr.