Book of Memories for Ralph J. Roche Jr.

Condolence From Lena Lovell Bochat

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 13:16:49 EST

Mr. Roche was one of those teachers that made such a deep impression in those crucial formative years. During the Pledge of Allegiance, he stressed the importance of freedom and if we wanted to sit down during the pledge, that’s our right or choice. Like a punk, I often did. I wish I could tell him that I’m about to retire from the Army after 22 years of defending the Constitution and thank him for his patience and compassion while I figured out what freedom really means. Thank you, Mr Roche.

Story shared: Rock of the 8th Grade Floor

Wed, 27 Nov 2013 09:29:07 EST

With the transition from GJHS to GMS, the 8th grade teachers became the best family any school could imagine. Ralph was quiet and thoughtful, but most importantly he was our rock and soul when issues presented themselves --- speaking from the students' viewpoint as well as ours. Often the administrations altered their course of actions by our stance and eventually asked for the 8th grade input before acting. We were a great team but Ralph being there made us all individually better teachers. Rest in peace, my friend! You are not forgotten. Allen

Story shared: A great teacher

Mon, 16 Sep 2013 20:07:47 EDT

I am sorry to be sharing this so late, but I just learned that Mr. Roche was gone and I wanted to take the time to say that he was such a huge influence in my love of literature and books and language......! He had great humor and energy and enthusiasm and encouraged my interest in Steinbeck and Hemmingway and Kesey and other artists I might never have chased otherwise. Please know how many lives he touched!

Condolence From Peter Weston

Sat, 29 Jun 2013 13:29:59 EDT

Someone once said you regret the things you didn't do, not the things you did do. I so regret not calling Ralph this past year. We were Novices together in the Xaverian Brothers Novitiate in Newton Highlands, MA. After college I lost track of Ralph, but we got together several years ago to reminisce. The last time I saw him was about two years ago when we had dinner at the 99 in Lowell. There will be a XB reunion at St. John's Prep in Danvers, MA over the July 12th weekend. I will make sure there is a remembrance of Ralph at our Mass. I so regret not being able to say goodbye, Ralph.

Condolence From JIm Machado

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 11:41:16 EST

I was quite saddened to hear of Ralph's passing. He was always full of great conversation and he will be missed. My condolences to his family. God bless, Sincerely, Jim Machado, Boston, MA

Story shared: Terrific Teacher...

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 17:22:35 EST

Mr. Roche- I will always remember you as one of my favorite teachers during my time in the Gardner Public Schools- you were always entertaining and truly cared for what we learned in 7th grade English- may you rest in peace....

Condolence From Bob Morrissette

Sun, 09 Dec 2012 16:57:36 EST

Ralph called me a few weeks ago and we chatted for over an hour about our past experiences, his loving family , our closest buddies and his teaching at Bunker Hill. We had so much laughter and serious conversation. We were never at a loss for words. Now I realize that this will be no more. However deep and fond memories will prevail and Ralph will continue to live on in our hearts forever. He will reach out as before and our lives will be better for it. My deepest condolences to Jean, Dotty and Paul and to Richard Doherty and Rick Camacho.

Condolence From Mary Hampton

Sun, 09 Dec 2012 14:56:31 EST

Ralph was a valued colleague in the English Department at Bunker Hill Community College. His gentle, intelligent humor softened the sharp edges of days spent working with college students who are often not ready for the challenges of juggling work and study. Ralph cared very much about his students and he worked very hard for them. He will be greatly missed.

Condolence From Priscilla Montagna

Sun, 09 Dec 2012 11:31:02 EST

Ralph, I still can’t believe you’re gone. You were always there when I needed you and you were the best neighbor and friend I could ever ask for. I will miss our talks and the rides we shared on our way to work. You always made me laugh especially when you would call me when you had a computer crisis. I will miss seeing you come home late at night looking for your cats when they were usually already asleep in front of my door. You had been through so much these last few years but fought your battles with strength and courage. Having been my neighbor for the last thirty-three years, you knew me when I was just a little girl. You were more like a dad to me and so I always considered you family. Things just won’t be same without you here. You will never be forgotten.

Memorial Candle lit by Stephen Tata

Sun, 09 Dec 2012 11:25:25 EST

Steve ,Meredith, Joe and Holly

Condolence From Wanda Montagna

Sun, 09 Dec 2012 11:13:03 EST

Ralph, thank you for always being there when I needed you. You were my upstairs neighbor that was like a brother to me. I am going to miss you a lot especially your laughter and smile. Don’t worry about your cats, Snuggles and Cuddles, we will be sure that that they are well taken care of. Adams Street will not be the same without you. You will always be in my heart. We love you. Till we meet again.

Condolence From Sally Johnson

Sun, 09 Dec 2012 11:03:59 EST

My sincere sympathies to the members of Ralph's family. He was an amazing educator and friend. The years I spent as a colleague at Gardner Middle School were made richer by my contact with Ralph. He was always ready with a story and always offering his insight with lessons. When the junior high and the sixth grade were joined to create Gardner Middle School, Ralph was right there willing to help with the transition. I loved his sense of humor and I treasure the hand written notes and cards I still have from him. Ralph was undoubtedly the most sought after teacher asked to attend the National Honor Society as mentors to inductees. He was loved by his students and respected by his colleagues. Ralph, you will be missed, and never forgotten. You always bring a smile to my face when I think about you.

Story shared: Summer Memories

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 19:25:31 EST

For more years than I can remember, Ralph, Mickey, Dern and I, (along with others who came and went over time) would gather for a cookout to end our summer vacations and catch up. We would meet at Mickey's camp on Lake Monomonac (of course Ralph would have to come to my house first each year because he could not find his way there)we would have burgers and dogs, a few brews, go for boat rides on the lake with someone waterskiing or tubing, and then hanging out and playing "pitch" into the evening. I always looked forward to these outings. Ralph always had hilarious stories that he would regale us with. His sense of humor and wit were unequaled along with his lack of sense of direction and his ability to lose his glasses in the fridge at school or even on his forehead. As the" novices" at pitch, Ralph and I were always placed on opposite teams. Ralph's team always won. He would play the exact perfect card at the perfect time and would innocently say something like "oh was that a good move" I still to this day am not sure if he was messing with me all these years or if he was just that lucky. I have so many Ralph stories that I will treasure forever and that allow me to smile and even laught thru my tears. I love you buddy. Rest In Peace

Photo shared: Scanned Image 1.jpg

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 18:10:30 EST

Success....it took about 5 years to convince Ralph to go tubing but he loved it

Photo shared: Scanned Image 3.jpg

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 18:09:22 EST

Ralphie tubing..we always had the best time there

Photo shared: Scanned Image 2.jpg

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 18:08:15 EST

our annual "cookout" at Mickey Dellasanta's camp...3 of the original 4 "dream team" Mickey, Ralphie, and Steve

Condolence From Barbara Yablonski

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 10:27:47 EST

My sympathies to Ralph's family. I had the privelege of knowing Ralph when I worked at GMS. What a wonderful person and a great teacher.

Condolence From Sam Bourgeois

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 08:50:35 EST

What an amazing man you were! You couldn't have picked a better career for yourself! You have influenced more lives than you know and we all thank you for that! May you rest, Sam

Photo shared: Roche,_Ralph.jpg

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 13:51:39 EST

Condolence From Carol Ann Brooks

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 11:07:58 EST

Mr. Roche once stated that he was "addicted to the class room", how blessed we all were to have a Teacher that loved every ounce of his career. He truly taught us how to think and interact at a deeper level than any of us knew how. We were taught by his daily quotes that forced us to look past the words. He believed in everyone of his students deeply. I will never forget after Middle School graduation a group of ten of us going back to his class room, we did not want to say good-bye and he promised it wasn't good bye. He kept that promise by the beautiful hand written letters that are so rare these days. I received my last letter from Mr. Roche just this Wednesday, the day after Mr. Roche became an angel. I am truly blessed to have been so privileged to have known such a wonderful man. God has definitely got a good one and I am SURE this is not good-bye because although Mr. Roche is upstairs he is not done teaching us yet ;).

Condolence From Brian Ross

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 02:49:49 EST

There really was never much time that passed in the 15+ years since I was a student of Mr. Roche's, where I didn't recall one of the many hilarious stories he shared in class. I still consider holding a sign a half mile in front of a speed trap to warn oncoming traffic of police clocking speed ahead. Given that I was one of maybe one hundred students he taught a year, over 30 years, it's hard to fathom the collective positive impact he made. He was interesting, animated, and he intellectually challenged his students. He provoked thought. Something I knew nothing of until this evening was his personal and professional interaction with his colleagues. I read tributes written by his colleagues who were also teachers of mine that year. To learn of the influence he had on them, and respect they had for him is telling, as they are fine men and exceptional educators. While I'm sad to learn of Mr. Roche's passing, I feel that this man's life was a success, and consider myself fortunate to have been a student of his.

Condolence From elizabeth leonard

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 20:15:13 EST

I am so sorry for your loss he was an amazing teacher who truly cared for his students.He was the 1st teacher i have ever had that made me believe in myself and help me see myself the way he did.His is a loss that will be felt by many not just those who know it but even those who don't, who have lost the opportunity to have him as the best teacher they could ever have.

Story shared: Great Dedicated Teacher!

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 14:00:29 EST

Great teacher who taught me much. Although I was deathly afraid not to complete an assignment I am grateful for his dedication to the profession. :-)

Story shared: 35 years as colleague

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 13:47:09 EST

I spent most of my 35 years at GJHS and GMS as a teacher and colleague of Ralph. A quiet guy at first, his energy, seriousness, and interest in his classes brought to my attention the professionalism of this guy. Getting to know him outside of school showed a fun side full of many interests that enlightened me and provoked thought in his students. Although he was very popular with his classes, few knew the trying times learning the names each year --- as shown by his running into one of his present student at the mall and asking him how he liked high school, only to be told he's in the B block class. You will be missed and honored in our memories forever. I think you almost made it to your 50 year goal of educating students.

Story shared: My friend for the past 40 years.

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 12:40:48 EST

There is nothing but goodness that I can say about Ralph. He was a true friend in every sense of the word. Whether it was advice, help or comfort, Ralph was always there. I will truly miss him and although he has returned home, his memory will always be eternal with me.

Condolence From DERN

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 12:32:04 EST

This is what I remember......We taught next to each other for all those years and I can't think of a day when we didn't laugh. Funny, that's what I remember the most. Shakespeare is in heaven, Ralph. Your cat, not the playwright. I don't know where he is. And all the other animals you loved so dearly, like the puppies from Wonderland. All of us who taught with you knew you were the best--- Looking back it was us, the teachers that learned the most. Those lessons are carried on your memory. So long dear friend DERN

Condolence From Matt R

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 11:02:04 EST

Rest in peace*

Condolence From Matt R

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 09:38:38 EST

Not only were you an amazing teacher, but also a very close friend. I feel extremely privileged to have been able to know the great man that you were. It meant the world to me that we were able to continue our friendship beyond school. I always looked forward to reading your hand-written letters that contained wisdom and compassion. I will never forget you Mr. Roche and may you truly rest in piece.

Condolence From Sheila and Sherrill Murphy

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:53:33 EST

We are so sorry to hear of Mr. Roche's passing. We were privileged to have him as our teacher at Gardner Junior High School. He was a dedicated, caring and creative teacher and we will remember him fondly. We send our sympathies to his family and are keeping him in our thoughts and prayers. We want the family to know how very many lives he touched. Blessings, Sheila and Sherrill

Condolence From Karen Culkeen

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 23:58:05 EST

Ralph was a superb teacher and one of the finest men I ever met. I have a hand written thank you letter he sent to me many years ago, and I've treasured it since the day I received it. He touched the lives of many students, my own children included. Ralph Roche was one in a million. May the road rise to meet you my friend.

Condolence From Jacob Hochard

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 22:03:29 EST

Rest in peace old friend. You changed and helped guide my life and many others. A red sox fan

Condolence From Steve Mulloy

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 21:51:22 EST

I had Mr. Roche as a teacher at Gardner Middle School and I can honestly he was one of the best teachers that I ever had. He was a man whose caring went beyond the classroom and I credit him for being a major influence in my decision to pursue my own career in education. My thoughts and condolences go out to his family and loved ones

Condolence From Noreen Sullivan

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 20:46:27 EST

Ralph was a dear man and a good friend to everyone. I loved working with Ralph because he he was such a great teacher. He was so friendly and supportive of me when I started teaching at GJHS in 1974 and up until he retired. I know everyone who knew him will miss him. My deepest sympathy to his family.

Condolence From Steve Tata

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 19:14:18 EST

Ralph- you were my role model,mentor, and an incredible friend. I will miss you. My condolences to your family. I hope they know what an incredible teacher you were and how you touched the lives of all of your students. Rest in Peace My Friend

Condolence From Sarah Smith

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 18:13:05 EST

Uncle Ralphie, you were a wonderful man and I will always remember you. Love to you and your family, always. --Sarah