John David Roach

John David Roach passed away February 20, 2024, at the age of 88 in hospice care in Baltimore, MD. He was born in Taylorville, IL, on December 27, 1935, to John Arthur Roach and Lucinda Nussman Roach (Peden). His youth was spent with his parents in Illinois and with his Aunt Ida near San Bernadino, CA.

John enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served more than 20 years, including two tours of Vietnam. During his Naval career, he served as an Aviation Electrician’s Mate First Class, a Mine Countermeasures Aircrewman, and as a member of the Observation Squadron 67 (VO-67), a clandestine military intelligence aircraft squadron based in Thailand during the Vietnam War. He was recognized with a Bronze Star, the Air Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He served another 20 years as a U.S. Capitol Police Officer in Washington, DC, retiring as Vice President Gore’s Reception Officer. In retirement, he enjoyed working as a Marshal at numerous PGA Tour and USGA golf events.

He will be remembered for his love for his family, his wry sense of humor, and his authentic self. He loved a good game of golf, being a great “Pop-pop” to his grandkids, and dancing the night away with his best girl, his wife "Dot."

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Dorothy Helen Roach and survived by his son J. Michael Roche and wife Tanya Spann Roche, his daughter Valerie Anne Roche, and his grandchildren Alec Roche and Sabrina Roche, as well as several nieces and nephews, and his brother Jim Roach and wife Janet Roach.

A brief service with Military Honor Guard followed by interment will be held at 2:30 pm at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville, MD.

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