In Memoriam: Patrick E. Roche '46

It is with great sadness that I share the news that our 2002 Distinguished Graduate Patrick E. Roche ’46 has died. His was a Latin School success story of familiar telling: a boy of humble beginnings propels himself to unimaginable success through indefatigable pursuit of his goals. As an entrepreneur, Pat partnered with his brother, Bud, to establish Roche Brothers Supermarket in Roslindale Square in 1952. Over the succeeding decades, the humble early beginnings evolved into an iconic local brand with national renown in the grocery industry for its innovation and exceptional service. Read more about his legacy here. Pat clearly understood his duty as a son of alma mater to protect, to preserve and to invest in BLS. No remembrance of him would be complete without praise of his devoted wife, Barbara. A woman of strength, honesty, faith and humility, Barbara both shared and shaped her husband’s belief that their success was but a platform for giving opportunity to the young people of greater Boston. In recognition of their commitment, the school’s second gymnasium bears Pat’s and Barbara’s names, as does a significant endowed fund that will support athletics and wellness initiatives in perpetuity. Pat and Barbara along with their friends, Lorraine and Alan Bressler ’55, also made possible the 375th anniversary celebration of our beloved school in 2009-2010. Last October, Pat was immortalized along with his friend and classmate, Sheldon Seevak, when their names were placed on the lower frieze of the BLS Assembly Hall. On behalf of the entire Boston Latin School community, I offer my very deep personal condolences to Barbara, their sons Ed and Rick, and to the extended family of a very great man. Sincerely, Peter G. Kelly '83 BLSA President