Salem, NY & Charlotte, NC -George "Tuffy" Roche, 88, of Salem, NY & Charlotte, NC, passed away Friday, November 10, 2017 surrounded by his loving family, at the Equinox Terrace in Manchester, VT. George was born October 29, 1929, in Salem, NY the son of George and Frances Leary Roche.  Brother of Joan, Jack and William Patrick and dear family friend, Rosemary Layden (all deceased). George served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War aboard the USS Oriskany, where he met some of his lifelong friends and during a trip home on a train, he met the love of his life and wife of 63 years, Patricia Claire Warner Roche.

He worked for his father in the plumbing business before he started a career at IBM where he worked in East Fishkill, Kingston, Raleigh and finally Charlotte where he retired as Manufacturing Superintendent in 1989.

Together George and Pat had seven sons, George (Sharon), Timothy (deceased), Daniel, James (deceased), Robert, Denis, and Brayton; three daughters, Erin (TJ), Jeanine (Ron), Bonnie (Nevin) along with many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He was so proud and loved each one of them. Dad will never be forgotten. He will always be remembered for his huge heart, his flair for telling colorful stories and the love for his family and friends.

A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, November 17, 2017 at 11:00 am at Holy Cross Church, 249 North Main Street, Salem, NY with Rev. Robert Powhida officiating.  Visitation will be from 9:30am until 10:45am at the church.  Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Salem, NY. Memorial contributions in memory of George may be made to the Salem Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 360, Salem, NY  12865.

A special thank you to the staff at the Equinox Terrace for the special care given to George.