Dennis Roach

Dennis “George” Roach, 71, of Durham, NC, was born on July 6, 1950, the fourth child of Ellen and Alfred Roach. On the morning of November 8, 2021 with his beloved family by his side he went home to be with the Lord.

He retired from the NYC Department of Sanitation before deciding to grace Durham, NC with his presence in 2006, at which time his daughter with the help of one of his nieces assisted him with his relocation. Dennis enjoyed spending his time reading and watching sports and other TV Shows, as well as video chatting and texting with loved ones. Often astounding family and friends with his decidedly vast intelligence for history, in addition to current events and obscure pop culture Dennis was truly a wealth of knowledge. Beyond that, he greatly enjoyed getting behind the wheel of his car and the freedom it afforded him; loving it enough to turn it into a hobby and his self-dubbed, side hustle.

Known for his honesty and wit, he blessed many with his often-comedic inspired words of wisdom as well as his knowledge of some of the harsher realities of life. These traits as well as his optimism and positivity were valued by those around him as they often sought both his comfort and his council.

The fourth of seven siblings, father of two girls and uncle to many, all titles he held dearly and with great pride and love for his family. He leaves behind two daughters, Anna and her fiancé James, of NC and Brittne of NY; nieces and daughters of the heart, Lisa (NY) and Janine (PA). Of his seven siblings, he is survived by his sisters Louise Roach, Elsie Roach of New York, Sarah (Carl) Miller and Stemma (Oliver) Miller of NC, and brother James “Jimmy” Hazel of NY as well as a host of loving family and friends. While many will mourn his passing, they know that he will be greeted in heaven with love by his mother, father, brothers Alfred and Carl, as well as several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held for his immediate family in Durham, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Salvation Army (https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/ways-to-give/) and Book Harvest (https://bookharvest.org/donate/#), organizations, which were near and dear to his heart. Of his friends we ask that you post any messages, shared stories, experiences, or other anecdotes to his memorial wall for his family to look upon as they embark on their healing journey. Please mail cards to 820 Martin Luther King Pkwy, Apt 350, Durham, NC 27713.

There are no words to express the love and devastation she feels, but when asked to describe her father Anna, says what comes to mind is Dennis’ self-proclaimed anthem, “My Way” by Frank Sinatra.

“Yes, there were times I’m sure you knew

When I bit off more than I could chew

But through it all when there was doubt

I ate it up and spit it out

I faced it all and stood tall and did it my way”

~Frank Sinatra

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dennis Roach, please visit our floral store.