Roger Ellis Roach
December 10, 1940 – September 4, 2020
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
Visitation
Thursday, September 10, 2020
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
&
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Services
No Services Available
Interment
- Private
Contributions
First United Methodist Church
512 North Main Street
High Point, NC 27260
Condolences
Sort Comments
5 Sep 2020
5:06pm
Lucia
Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for the loss of your husband Roger. You are on my mind and in my prayers for you loss. . The process is long and will be hard, but with the confidence of gods love you will endure and be an over comer because of y’all’s love for one another .
City
Waldorf
State
Maryland
8 Sep 2020
6:57pm
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🙏❤️
City
North Beach
State
MD
5 Sep 2020
5:11pm
Oh Lucia, Paul and I want you to know how much the friendship we had and the time we spent together mean more to us than words can ever express. Roger’s sense of humor and kindness are remarkable. We love you both so much! May God bestow you with all you need to get through the coming days. We are only a text away.
City
La Plata
State
Maryland
5 Sep 2020
7:15pm
I loved him. He was the best school administrator I ever had. I always felt like he was on my side. He touched so many lives in Calvert County. All my love and prayers to the family
City
Huntingtown
State
Md
5 Sep 2020
10:51pm
Mr. Roach was one of my teachers at Calvert Junior High School in the 6th grade in the 60’s. He was a great teacher! He left a positive impact on all of his students and friends equally. A great loss!
City
Fuquay Varina
State
NC
11 Sep 2020
8:06pm
To: Mrs. Poole
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers!
Love always
Randi Parker Niles and my daughter Madison Harris
City
St. Leonard
State
Maryland
6 Sep 2020
8:48am
Condolences to you Lucia, and to all of his children and extended families. He made a mark in this life. His kindness was constant and his brilliance unmistakable. I have many great memories of him from Northern High, and from many other shared events in our lives.
City
Owings
State
MD
6 Sep 2020
8:54am
I graduated in 1976 at Northern High, Mr Roach was a quiet kind soul and he gently reminded you, you’re not where your supposed to be. So many of us respected him and loved him. I am so sorry for your loss, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely.
Gianna Shull Thompson
City
Winder
State
Ha
6 Sep 2020
2:01pm
Lucia, so sorry to hear of Rogers passing. I know you know, he was one of a kind. I loved him like an uncle ( Uncle Rogie) and will always remember his sly humor. (Hoping my words aren’t too close to the page)
Please know you and family are in my prayers. Love always, Marguerite
City
Terra Alta
State
WV
6 Sep 2020
7:23pm
Dear Lucia, David and I are so very sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. Please know that you and family are in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and may you find comfort in the days ahead. We are here if you should need anything. Love you.
City
Waldorf
State
Maryland
6 Sep 2020
10:32pm
Dear Lucia
Our prayers and deepest sympathy are with you and your family at this time of your loss. We love you Phillip and Reanata Hickman ❤
City
Waldorf
State
Maryland
7 Sep 2020
10:22am
Shannon, Tony and I are so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. May God comfort you and all who loved him.
City
Waldorf
State
Maryland
7 Sep 2020
11:44am
RIP Mr Roach, you will be missed so much, Thank you for all you instilled in me. Condolences to family & so wish I could be there to give you all huge hugs
Soar high Mr Roach !!
City
Christiansburg
State
VA
7 Sep 2020
1:52pm
Raid, so sorry to hear about your brother Roger. Van winkle shared your email. Our thoughts are with you, Julia and your family during this difficult time. Knowing you and your gift for sharing joy, your comment that Roger was your personal hero speaks volumes to me about the kind of teacher and mentor he was. It sounds like Roger shared your love of music and going forward you will experience moments when music and grief combine to bring you joy and sorrow. Sounds crazy but you wait and see. God has a plan and we are blessed to walk among those that impact our life. Roger was one of your blessings.
SYITG my friend,
Do Re Mi
City
Charlotte
State
North Carolina
7 Sep 2020
3:19pm
Lucia, The loss of your sweet Roger leaves an empty space in the hearts of so many. My time working with him at CMS is a highlight in my career. He shared his knowledge, expertise, patience, and kindness to make us all better people- both students and staff. He was a brilliant and his charming sense of humor always made me smile. There are difficult days ahead, but as time passes your time with him will continue to be more cherished. Roger was an all around great person, and he totally adored you. His love for you made him so happy- of this I am certain- RIP my dear friend
City
Micco
State
Florida
7 Sep 2020
9:00pm
So sorry for your loss Joel and Travis. Prayers for you and your families. He was a great man and always looked out for us in school. RIP Mr Roach 🙏🙏
City
Beltsvile
State
Md
7 Sep 2020
9:43pm
Dear Lucia, I wanted you to know that I am thinking of you, with a heart full of love. I am so sorry for your great loss.
From reading these lovely condolences, Roger must have been an extraordinary man.
I wish I could have known him. Remembering his intelligence and sense of humor will be with you forever.
May God bless you, and your family.
City
Lakeland
State
Florida
8 Sep 2020
12:19am
Mr. Roach, you were an awesome Vice Principal of Calvert Middle School in the late 1990s. I respected you because you always listened to what we had to say and you were always fair. Thank you for your guidance during those awkward middle school years.
City
Prince Frederick
State
Maryland
8 Sep 2020
11:45am
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.
City
Chesapeake Beach
State
MD
8 Sep 2020
6:59pm
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.
City
Deale
State
Maryland
9 Sep 2020
9:52pm
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
City
Sunderland
State
MD
9 Sep 2020
8:53pm
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.
City
Burke
State
Virginia
10 Sep 2020
7:36am
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!
City
Raleigh
State
NC
10 Sep 2020
4:22pm
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.
City
Hanover
State
PA
10 Sep 2020
6:24pm
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!
City
Baltimore
State
Md
13 Sep 2020
10:23pm
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.
City
Huntingtown
State
MD
Sort Comments
Lucia
Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for the loss of your husband Roger. You are on my mind and in my prayers for you loss. . The process is long and will be hard, but with the confidence of gods love you will endure and be an over comer because of y’all’s love for one another .
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🙏❤️
Oh Lucia, Paul and I want you to know how much the friendship we had and the time we spent together mean more to us than words can ever express. Roger’s sense of humor and kindness are remarkable. We love you both so much! May God bestow you with all you need to get through the coming days. We are only a text away.
I loved him. He was the best school administrator I ever had. I always felt like he was on my side. He touched so many lives in Calvert County. All my love and prayers to the family
Mr. Roach was one of my teachers at Calvert Junior High School in the 6th grade in the 60’s. He was a great teacher! He left a positive impact on all of his students and friends equally. A great loss!
To: Mrs. Poole
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers!
Love always
Randi Parker Niles and my daughter Madison Harris
Condolences to you Lucia, and to all of his children and extended families. He made a mark in this life. His kindness was constant and his brilliance unmistakable. I have many great memories of him from Northern High, and from many other shared events in our lives.
I graduated in 1976 at Northern High, Mr Roach was a quiet kind soul and he gently reminded you, you’re not where your supposed to be. So many of us respected him and loved him. I am so sorry for your loss, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely.
Gianna Shull Thompson
Lucia, so sorry to hear of Rogers passing. I know you know, he was one of a kind. I loved him like an uncle ( Uncle Rogie) and will always remember his sly humor. (Hoping my words aren’t too close to the page)
Please know you and family are in my prayers. Love always, Marguerite
Dear Lucia, David and I are so very sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. Please know that you and family are in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and may you find comfort in the days ahead. We are here if you should need anything. Love you.
Dear Lucia
Our prayers and deepest sympathy are with you and your family at this time of your loss. We love you Phillip and Reanata Hickman ❤
Shannon, Tony and I are so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. May God comfort you and all who loved him.
RIP Mr Roach, you will be missed so much, Thank you for all you instilled in me. Condolences to family & so wish I could be there to give you all huge hugs
Soar high Mr Roach !!
Raid, so sorry to hear about your brother Roger. Van winkle shared your email. Our thoughts are with you, Julia and your family during this difficult time. Knowing you and your gift for sharing joy, your comment that Roger was your personal hero speaks volumes to me about the kind of teacher and mentor he was. It sounds like Roger shared your love of music and going forward you will experience moments when music and grief combine to bring you joy and sorrow. Sounds crazy but you wait and see. God has a plan and we are blessed to walk among those that impact our life. Roger was one of your blessings.
SYITG my friend,
Do Re Mi
Lucia, The loss of your sweet Roger leaves an empty space in the hearts of so many. My time working with him at CMS is a highlight in my career. He shared his knowledge, expertise, patience, and kindness to make us all better people- both students and staff. He was a brilliant and his charming sense of humor always made me smile. There are difficult days ahead, but as time passes your time with him will continue to be more cherished. Roger was an all around great person, and he totally adored you. His love for you made him so happy- of this I am certain- RIP my dear friend
So sorry for your loss Joel and Travis. Prayers for you and your families. He was a great man and always looked out for us in school. RIP Mr Roach 🙏🙏
Dear Lucia, I wanted you to know that I am thinking of you, with a heart full of love. I am so sorry for your great loss.
From reading these lovely condolences, Roger must have been an extraordinary man.
I wish I could have known him. Remembering his intelligence and sense of humor will be with you forever.
May God bless you, and your family.
Mr. Roach, you were an awesome Vice Principal of Calvert Middle School in the late 1990s. I respected you because you always listened to what we had to say and you were always fair. Thank you for your guidance during those awkward middle school years.
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.