Richard J. Roach

Richard J. Roach, 81, of Torrington, CT,  passed away on September 24, 2025, in Torrington, Connecticut. He was born on December 27, 1943, in Lynn, Massachusetts, and lived a life marked by service, devotion, and community involvement.

Richard dedicated his career to the Federal Aviation Administration, where he served as an Air Traffic Controller and from where he retired after 44 years. His commitment to ensuring the safety of air travel was only matched by his sense of duty to his country, having honorably served in the U.S. Navy, from which he was discharged in 1964.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Richard was a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a proud member of the Torrington Elk's Lodge #372, and the American Legion. 

Richard leaves behind his beloved wife, Linda Roach, with whom he shared 56 years of marriage. He was the proud father of three daughters, Beth Gaudette (Christopher) of Thomaston, CT, Amy Revere (John, Jr.) of Hudson, NC, and Erin Karpenko (Eric Schweder) of Oxford, CT. His legacy also continues through his five cherished grandchildren, Claire, Richard, Noe, Amber and Riley as well as several nieces and nephews who will carry forward the warmth and wisdom he imparted throughout his life.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Margaret (Hughes) Roach, as well as his brother, James Roach, and sister, Sr. Ann Dominic Roach, O.P. 

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, with the cortege leaving at 10:30 a.m. from Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington, CT to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, (Our Lady of Hope Parish), 78 Litchfield Rd., Harwinton, CT, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m.  Final military honors will be accorded at the conclusion of the Mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.  Burial will be private.  Relatives and friends may call on Monday, September 29, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Cook Funeral Home. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the winter homeless shelter, c/o Trinity Episcopal Church, 220 Prospect St., Torrington, CT 06790.