Thomas S. Roche

South Portland - Lt. Thomas S. Roche Sr., 76, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on August 2, 2019 following a long period of declining health. Tom was born in Portland, Maine on September 2, 1942 the son of the late Edwin W. and Mary E. (Keating) Roche. He graduated from South Portland High School in the class of 1960. He earned his Criminal Justice Degree from the University of Southern Maine. In 1960 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving until 1964 where he was attached to the Marine Corps Air Wing, Quantico, VA as a crew chief and then served in the United States Coast Guard Reserves from 1973 to 1975. On February 6, 1965 he married Marylou A. Flynn at Holy Cross Church. Together they made their home and raised their family in Cape Elizabeth. Tom worked for seven years as a corrections officer with the Cumberland County Sheriff's Department until 1971 when he joined the South Portland Police Department, retiring as a lieutenant in 1992. After retiring he worked in the Maine Judiciary System as a Marshall and Financial Screener until 2003. In 2010 he received the Presidents Recognition Award from the Maine Association of Police. Tom joined the Catholic faith as an adult as a member of Holy Cross Church and St Anthony's Church. He was a member of the Blue Knights, American Legion Andrews Post, Marine Corp League and an avid supporter of the Toys for Tots program. Of all his volunteer activities, the Toys for Tots held a special place in his heart. For several years, he would sit at the Maine Mall from October to Christmas Eve, proudly wearing his Marine attire taking donations. In 2015, Tom was the recipient of the Commanders Award from Richard P. Mills, Lt. Gen., USMC Commander Marine Forces Reserve for the unmatched dedication in collecting one of the largest donations for Toys for Tots. In his spare time, Tom enjoyed horse racing at Scarborough Downs, after a big win after the Kentucky Derby in 2010, he was seen handing out $100 bills to the homeless and less fortunate. His giving nature was not only when he had a windfall but always. Tom would give anyone in need a hand, even when he didn't have it to give. Tom had great talent as well as a generous soul, enjoyed painting landscapes and seascapes with oils, tending his vegetable garden and his bonsai trees. Tom was an excellent cook and was especially known for his chowders and cheese omelets with green olives. Later in life, Tom's greatest past time was scratch tickets. His children described him as a generous, protective, extremely hilarious, brave man who loved serving his country and his community. Tom's true passion was his family. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of St. Andre's Nursing Center, the VA Administration Home Based Health Services, and Hospice of Southern Maine for all of the great care and love that Tom received. Tom was predeceased by his wife, Marylou A. Roche in 2011; a sister in law Elizabeth (Betsy) Roche. He is survived by a son, Thomas Roche Jr. and his wife Cynthia of Westbrook; two daughters, Susan Lynn Bertin and her companion Paul DeBaker of Gorham, and Jeanne A. Sloan and her husband Craig of Westbrook; a sister, Patricia Sawyer of Saco; a brother, James Roche of Brewer: sister Cynthia Fletcher and her husband Michael of South Portland: five grandchildren, Ryan, Alex, Katie, Devin, and Jake; several nieces and nephews. Visiting hours celebrating Tom's life will be held on Friday, August 9, 2019 from 10:00am to 1:00pm at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A service will follow at the chapel at 1:00pm with burial in Evergreen Cemetery, Stevens Ave., Portland, ME. To view Tom's memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com Those who wish may make contributions in Tom's memory to: Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 US Route 1, Suite 1, Scarborough, ME 04074