John E. Roach

A life-long Joliet-area resident, John Roach, 83, from Joliet and then Shorewood passed away peacefully Nov. 21, 2022 surrounded by family.

Born Jan. 9, 1939, John – the son of John and Clara (Mannell) Roach – is remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jean (Boylan) Roach and his children, Mary Ann (Roach) Egizio (Dominic) and Michael Roach (Katie), as well as his brother Jim Roach (Gayle) of Springfield, Ill., and sister-in-law Paula Boylan of North Aurora, Ill., as well as many friends and extended family.

His joys were his grandchildren Emily (Egizio) Claffy (Evan), Erin Egizio, Megan Egizio, Ella Roach and Declan Roach.

A 1956 graduate of Joliet Catholic High School, John played right field for the Hilltoppers and represented Joliet in the 1953 Pony League World Series. For 40+ years, John worked at St. Joe’s Hospital in the accounting department where he was beloved as the staffer who handed out employee paychecks.

A devote Catholic, John was a parishioner of St. Pat’s Church, an associate of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

John loved local sports, playing cards and Scrabble, laughing with friends, meticulous journaling, volunteering and riding his bike along the I&M canal.

Visitation for John will be held Tuesday, Nov. 29 at St. Pat’s Church (710 W. Marion St. in Joliet) from 9-10 a.m., with a funeral mass to follow at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Lightways Hospice (formerly Joliet Area Community Hospice) or your favorite charity.

For more information, please call (815) 744-4444 or visit John’s Memorial Tribute at www.bgsfuneralhome.com