Roger Ellis Roach passed at home on September 4, 2020 with his wife, Lucia Poole, one of his sons, Travis Roach, and his loving dogs present. The soundtrack to the musical Jersey Boys was playing and a trip down memory lane was being taken.
Many knew Roger as a Calvert County educator at Calvert High School, Northern High School and Calvert Middle School, having moved from North Carolina to Maryland to teach math and then become vice-principal extraordinaire. His career spanned 44 years. His skill was empowering teachers to do their best in the classroom. His most rewarding moments were helping young people reach their potential by listening to them with the utmost respect. Since retirement, many have reached out to express their sincere thanks.
Roger was a homebody, yet when prompted by his wife, he left LaPlata to travel to Italy, France, London, New Orleans, and Nashville many times over the years. He enjoyed a good meal with an ice-cold Rolling Rock, going to musicals, hanging out at bars for the live music—he had a deep appreciation for performances of different genres which started by playing the trombone in a jazz band in high school.
He is predeceased by his parents, Ellis Henry and Margaret Davis Roach.
He is survived by family in North Carolina, Rosalind Allen, Marilyn (and Monnie) Ellis, Rita Latham (and Bobby Branning), and Barry Roach (and Julia Lathan).
His Maryland family consists of wife Lucia Poole, son Joel Roach, daughter Shannon (and Bobby) Gibbons, son Travis Roach and grandchildren Summer, Abby, Natalie, Lily, Lacy, Skyler, Nathan, Leilani, Emory and Ellis. And, of course, his dogs, Davis, Nola and Nash.
His extended family consisted of an eclectic group of loving, kind, fun individuals that he spent many meals, parties, and gatherings with laughing and solving the world’s problems. He offered his intelligence and witty insights to all.
He lived in a spirit of gratitude and in which he believed, “How can I lose when I’ve already won?” May we all aspire to this way of thinking in order to honor his legacy.
In lieu of flowers please make any donations to:
First United Methodist Church, 512 North Main Street, High Point, NC 27260
Patricia Major
September 13 – Obituary: Roger Ellis Roach
Lucia & family, I was so sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. He was a very special person with a heart of gold and a quick wit. I will always appreciate his support as teacher and friend. My heart goes out to all of Roger’s family as I know he will be greatly missed. May God bless you all.
Randi
September 11 – Obituary: Roger Ellis Roach
To: Mrs. Poole
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers!
Love always
Randi Parker Niles and my daughter Madison Harris
Bonnie Williamson
September 10 – Obituary: Roger Ellis Roach
I am so sad to hear about your loss Lucia. You found your soulmate and I was glad to get to know him. Sending my love to you!
Joan Potter
September 10 – Obituary: Roger Ellis Roach
My condolences to the whole family. Your in my prayers. Mr Roach as I knew him, was a wonderful educator. I did not have the please of having him as a teacher. But he was an administrator when I was a student at Northern High. He was well liked and a very comical person.
Debbie
September 10 – Obituary: Roger Ellis Roach
So sorry to hear of Mr. Roach’s passing. He was one of my teachers. He was such a great guy! Sending prayers to the family during this difficult time!
Kelly diane Diamond Arbour
September 9 – Obituary: Roger Ellis Roach
Alrighty mr. Roach you were my vice principal at Northern High School you helped so many Outback then you’re just a great person all the way around someone to inspire 2 but I also would like to keep joal and Travis in my thoughts and prayers I have known your whole family since I moved here in 1984 you will surely be missed and there’s been so many comments that you changed so many people’s lives back then I went to high school with so fly on mr. Roach tell my mom and dad hello for me
Kathy Bowles
September 9 – Obituary: Roger Ellis Roach
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember “the look” he’d shoot if one (me) wasn’t displaying good behavior (I mean that in a nice way) Prayers to you and your family.
Linda Keiffer
September 8 – Obituary: Roger Ellis Roach
Dear Lucia, I was so saddened to hear of your dear Roger’s passing. He certainly was someone who touched many lives and who loved you dearly. Roger was a dedicated educator and administrator who cared for all students and staff. I am most grateful for his kindness when I called him at 5:27 am to ask for a substitute.
May you find comfort and peace in your precious memories.
Jodi Barnes
September 8 – Obituary: Roger Ellis Roach
I am so very sorry for your tremendous loss Lucia. Roger was a wonderful man and I always enjoyed talking with him. I am out of town but would love to see you when I get back and you are up to it. Sending lots of hugs and prayers????❤️
Mercine Marshall
September 8 – Obituary: Roger Ellis Roach
I am saddened by the passing of Mr. Roach. He was an extraordinary school administrator and he always, always brought about the best possible outcomes for all involved. Rest in peace, Mr. Roach.
And thank you.
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