Michael J. Roche, 82, of Solvay, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 5, 2021. Born in England on May 21, 1938, he was raised in “The Old Country” (both England and Ireland) and served in the British Royal Corps of Engineers Army before immigrating to “Our “Great Country” and finding a new home in Syracuse. Mike was employed for many years at General Motors, where he also served as a UAW steward. A skilled handyman, he was always working on a project and happily helped any friend with any job. He was a communicant of St. Charles Borromeo, Sacred Heart, and St. Marianne Cope at St. Cecilia Church; a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians; and past president of Syracuse Right to Life. An avid fisherman, Mike loved spending time with family and friends, singing old songs, sharing stories, and playing cards.
Michael was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Bridget (Beggane) Roche; daughters, Michele Webber and Bridget Roche; grandchildren, Alexis and Amado “AJ” Cedano; siblings, Thomas, Philomena, William, and Sean; and in-laws, Mick Rooney, Marie Roche, Robert Fox, John Bishop, and Marybeth Fougnier.
Surviving are his children, Michael (Lillian) Roche, Mary (Wilamenia) Faison, Kathleen (Michael Bornstein) Roche, and Matthew Roche; grandchildren, Thomas Webber, Maura Botsford, and Ann, Julia, Meghan and Stella Roche; siblings, Mary (Ivor) Rooney-Horton, Bernadette (Charlie) Hughes, Kathleen Fox, Lawrence (Linda) Roche, Martin (Joan) Roche, and Eileen (Reg) Mann; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Relatives and friends may call Thursday, May 13 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. Face coverings are required.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, May 14 at 10 a.m. in St. Marianne Cope at St. Cecilia Church, 1001 Woods Rd., Syracuse. Michael will be laid to rest in Our Lady of Peace Cemetery, Baldwinsville.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Syracuse Right to Life, nysrighttolife.org