Dr. James P. Roach
Dr. James P. Roach, devoted husband of Joan Neverdousky Roach and longtime resident of Black Rock, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 6, 2023. Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut on December 3, 1932, he was the son of the late Stephen and Molly Roach. Jim exemplified what it was to be a kind human being every day throughout his 90 years. In addition to Joan, his beloved wife of almost 64 years, he will be lovingly remembered by his family, including his children: Tim (Ann), Molly Sullivan (Ed), Sheila O’Brien (Shawn), John (Carmela), Meaghan Berry (Tim), Nora Ford (Sean), Stephen (Natalie), and Sam (Vathana); his grandchildren: Conor, Brian, Molly, Joe, Katie, Nora, Meaghan, Chris, Caitlin, Kevin, Mack, Aidan, Julia, Siobhan, Kate, Luke, Talia, Molly, Derek; his great-grandchildren: James, Nolan and Bennett; his brother, Thomas; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, Dr. Roach was predeceased by his in-laws, Pete and Victoria Neverdousky; his son, Edward; and his siblings, Steve, Dave, MaryAnn and Eileen (EiEi).
Dr. Roach obtained many academic achievements throughout his life, including a degree from Fairfield Prep in 1950, a Bachelor of Science from Fairfield University in 1954, Doctor of Medicine, New York Medical College in 1958, and a Honorary Doctorate from Fairfield University in 2008. Jim began his medical career in 1958, serving on the house staff at St. Vincent’s Medical Center before serving his country as a Surgeon in the United States Air Force, Williams Air Force Base Chandler, Arizona from 1960-1962. He then completed his three-year Residency in Urology at the Albany Medical Center Hospital finishing in 1965. Following the residency, Jim’s Black Rock roots came calling and he returned to Bridgeport to begin his medical practice. He also returned to the staff at St. Vincent’s Medical Center and remained on staff for 37 years until his retirement in 2002. Following 37 years of Urology, Jim felt that the greatest gift he could give someone was to donate one of his kidneys, so in true Jim Roach fashion, he became a living organ donor and anonymously donated his kidney in 2004. After his “retirement” from practice and St. Vincent’s, Jim served as attending staff for the U.S. Veterans’ Hospital from June 2006-March 2016. Dr. Roach was a Board member for several charities and medical services, including St. Vincent’s Special Needs Center, McGivney Center in Bridgeport, St. Vincent’s Medical Center, St. Vincent’s Foundation and St. Vincent’s College of Nursing, and was a Clinical Instructor in Urology at Yale University School of Medicine. He was extremely grateful for the Jesuit education he received from Fairfield Prep and Fairfield University. Jim received several awards and distinctions, including The St. Ignatius of Loyola Alumni Award from Fairfield Prep, and the Heroes of
Mid-Fairfield County Medical Award from the MidFairfield County Chamber of the American Red Cross. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2023 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. Dr. Roach’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. directly at Saint Ann’s Church in Black Rock - a church he frequented daily and where he has observed countless baptisms, weddings, and funerals. Military Honors will be observed at the end of his church service and a reception will follow. A private interment will take place in Oak Lawn Cemetery on Tuesday. His family would prefer memorial contributions to either: Mercy Learning Center ( www. mercylearningcenter.org ) or the Black Rock Food Pantry ( www.blackrockfoodpantry. org ). For travel directions or to sign his online register book, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com