Mr Michael A. Roche

Mr. Michael A. Roche, age 65, went home to the Lord and continued his journey of life when he passed away on Thursday, June 4, 2015 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with the love and support of his family by his side. Born in Utica on June 8, 1949, Michael was the son of the late J. Francis and Marjorie (Messler) Roche. He was a graduate of Notre Dame High School/Class of 1967 and continued his education at M.V.C.C. where he earned his Associate Degree in Nursing in 1974 and was awarded his NYS License as a Registered Professional Nurse. Michael held numerous positions in long-term healthcare facilities, most notably at the Oneida Health Care/Extended Care Facility in Oneida NY where he served in a benchmark position as the first Nurse Manager to welcome residents to their new long-term home. Michael was a confidence builder for his patients and his professional motto was to provide a “warm, safe, and comfortable environment” for those under his care. He was admired for his humility, humor, witty mind, and kind heart. His professional peers admired his compassion, concern, and competence. During this time, Michael also managed to attend SUNY/Utica-Rome where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Health Service Administration in 1983 which allowed him to oversee nursing facilities. He also acquired a Master of Science degree in the area of Human Resources from Binghamton University in 1989. On July 4, 1970 Michael and the former Angelina “Angie” Brigano exchanged marriage vows. They were each other’s first love, partners in life, and integral to each other’s well-being. They were made for each other, and during their nearly 45 year union, they complemented one another’s personality and perspective on life. They shared the same mindset that earthly life was just a part of the journey to the joy, peace, and promise of eternal life. Michael’s life plan put him on a different path at the age of 40, and he decided to change careers. He enrolled in Utica College and in 1992 he was awarded his Bachelor of Science degree in Education and Mathematics. He was a natural born teacher, and had an intrinsic desire to nurture. He began as a substitute teacher in area schools and in 1999 he was instrumental in the inception of the Alternative Education Program at Oneida-Herkimer-Madison County BOCES. While instructing students of middle-school age, Michael made sure that they had everything they needed to excel and meet the expectations of their courses. He succeeded in transforming some of his students, allowing them to be in a better place in their academic and social standings. His performance and efforts in the classroom were realized through his patience and ability to individualize his instruction by explaining situations and problems in a way that each student could relate to. He touched so many lives prior to his retirement in 2013. Michael continued to share his knowledge and knack for teaching, in summer school and as a substitute teacher. In addition, he tutored anyone who needed extra help, at any time. Michael was blessed with a fascinating mind, an incredible range of interest, and an insatiable curiosity. He had a proclivity for a wide range of music from the symphonies of Bach and Beethoven to the progressive rock melodies of the TSO (Trans-Siberian Orchestra). Because music and mathematics are intricately related and Michael had an affinity for both, he was fascinated by the complexity of rhythm, meter, pitch, and chords. His humor was dry and edgy, and he capitalized on his capability of easily connecting with people. His bear hugs were legendary and an expression of his affection. He was an Irishman through and through. Although he was strong willed and opinionated, you always knew where you stood with him. Michael’s pastimes included piano, math, and crossword puzzles. He was a relentless reader, and he relied on Rosetta Stone to learn the Latin language where many of his passions including music and science had their roots. He also enjoyed RVing, venturing to Maine, the Hudson Valley, the Catskill Mountains, and the Adirondacks. He landed his recreational vehicle in Bridgewater at Lake Chalet which was his little piece of heaven. He felt that his greatest gratification and happiness in life was choosing the right woman as his partner, and being blessed with his children who he adored and his grandchildren who were entwined in the lives of his loved ones. All he really wanted in life was his family by his side. In essence, Michael was sensible, realistic, and well-grounded; he knew who he was and who he wasn’t. He loved his loyal canine cocker spaniel, Rascal, who was his constant companion. Michael is survived by his wife, Angie; his daughters, Michelle Roche-Babbie of West Edmeston, and Shannon Bridget and Clement E. Armstrong of Gloversville; and his grandchildren who were like him in so many ways, Alexander Vincent Roche Babbie, Sebastian Joseph Roche Babbie; and Aidan Michael Armstrong. He will remain in the hearts of his brother and sister-in-law, Jeff and Susan Roche of Fairfield NY; and sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Arthur Beane of Magnolia MA; his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and in-laws, Palma M. Brigano of Utica, and Marivita and Bradley Kelley of Cold Brook NY. He was predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph D. and Vita Brigano who he truly adored and loved. The family is grateful to Dr. Scott Brehaut for his compassion, medical expertise, and friendship; Doctors. Nabeel El-Amir, Komgrit Chukiert, Vinod Kudagi, Ramzi Nassif, Robert Wasiczko and Physician Assistant Sarah Dixon; a special thank you to Dr. James Bramley whose unwavering commitment to the fight for Michael’s life will never be forgotten; the entire staff of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center CTICU with special recognition of RNs Stephanie and Samantha “Sam” and Nurse Techs Dan and Harold. Each demonstrated a deep understanding of the patient as a “person” and that included their loved ones. Thank you to Father Jim Cesta and the St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish community for their caring concern and many, many prayers. Special thanks to the 8:00 am Sunday morning Mass family; thank you to Angie’s entire “work family” at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center. Their outpouring of love and compassion has been overwhelming and will be the source of solace and support for Michael’s family for many days to come. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2:00-5:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be considered to the Wounded Warrior Project, Rescue Mission of Utica, the Hope House, or the John Bosco House; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Michael’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta, Pastor and Deacon Paul Lehman. Interment will take place privately at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Clayville

Mr Michael A. Roche

June 8, 1949 - June 4, 2015