John Francis Roche, 58 of Mechanicsville, MD passed away January 6, 2007 in VA Medical Center, Washington, DC. Born December 7, 1948 in Takoma Park, MD, he was the son of the late Vincent L and Mable Chew Roche. He was devoted to his family and friends and was an Army Veteran who served with the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam; where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and an Army Commendation Medal.

Mr. Roche was employed by Griffin Carpets. He retired in 2005 after a successful career as a carpet installer. John Roche was known as an avid drag racing fan. He spent many years in his youth racing at 75/80 Drag Strip. He was never happier than when he was able to race at MD International Raceway with his son Karl. He also enjoyed restoring classic cars and playing with his grandchildren.

He is survived by and will truly be missed by his son, Karl Roche and his wife Amy of Mechanicsville, MD, his daughters Tania Ramsey and her husband Kevin of Frederick, MD, Samantha Roche and Krystal Roche of Mechanicsville, MD; his brothers Edward Griffin and his wife Ann of Bradenton, FL, James Griffin of Bradenton, FL, Vincent Roche and wife Pat of Valley Lee, MD and Lawrence Roche of Mt. Airy, MD; his sisters Vivian Worch and her husband Chris Worch of Leonardtown, MD and Ellen Libertine of Carmel, CA. Grandchildren: Kayla, Amber, Jake, Dominic, Austin, Brucie, Brezzie and Destiny, as well as many nieces, nephews and special friends.

The family received friends on Tuesday, January 9 in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home in Leonardtown, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated today; January 10 at 11:00 AM in St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Leonardtown, MD with Rev. Donald Worch officiating, interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD.

Those desiring, may send memorial donations in his memory to the Mechanicsville Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 15, Mechanicsville, MD 20659 or charity of your choice.

Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.