Raymond Joseph DeRoche, 87, of Bradford, passed away Wednesday, June 20, at High Pointe Hospice in Haverhill, after a brief illness, surrounded by his family.
Born in Lawrence, April 30, 1931, DeRoche graduated from Central Catholic High School and attended Franklin Institute.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Elsa J. (Perkins) DeRoche; daughters Robin Lee (DeRoche) Sansoucie and husband Garry of Plaistow, N.H., Sharon Patricia (DeRoche) Lyman and husband Peter of Canaan, N.H., Kelly Ann (DeRoche) Stevenson and husband Douglas W. Jr. of Newington, N.H.; grandchildren Austin James Lyman, Sawyer Joseph Lyman, Serena Grace Lyman, Douglas W. Stevenson III and Joseph Paul Stevenson; sisters Lorraine Herman and Gloria Hovey and husband Daniel; many nieces, nephews and cousins; also leaves his close friend Russell Chaput of Haverhill. He was predeceased by his mother Rose, a brother George and sisters Janet and Dorothy.
He served as a corporal in the United States Army from 1952-1954 and was stationed overseas in Korea. DeRoche was decorated with the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Stars and the National Defense Service Medal. He was an active member of the Korean War Vets Chapter 294, where he served as their treasurer, DAV Hannah Dustin Chapter 20 and the AMVETS. Ray was instrumental in the planning and installation of the Korean War Memorial in Haverhill, MA and he was the past treasurer of the DAV.
He retired from Lucent Technologies after many years of employment where he was a member of the Pioneers of America. He was also a member of Sacred Heart Parish. DeRoche enjoyed his time spent playing cards with friends, feeding his backyard birds and most of all, spending time with family. In his early years he enjoyed camping and boating with his family. He crafted his own boat with friends. He also enjoyed chair caning.
Visitation takes place Friday, June 29, at Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 S. Main St., Haverhill from 4 to 7 p.m. Graveside services with U.S. Army Honors are offered Saturday in Elmwood Cemetery, 96 Salem St., Haverhill at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ray’s memory to the Greater Haverhill Korean War Veterans Chapter #294 c/o Russell Chaput 56 Brandy Brow Rd., Haverhill, MA 01830.