Billy A. Roach

Billy A. Roach, 86, of Vermilion, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at Mercy New Life Hospice, following a brief illness. Born on February 4, 1938, in Lucy, TN, Billy made Vermilion his home for over five decades.

A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, Billy served his country with honor. Following his military service, he dedicated 37 years to Ford Motor Co., in the paint department before retiring in 1998.

He was a member of Saint Mary Parish in Vermilion, as well as AMVETS Post 22 and UAW Local 2000. In his youth, he found solace and adventure on motorcycle rides, while later years saw him enjoying peaceful days on the boat, fishing alongside his beloved sons and father-in-law, Chris Thome. A true handyman with a passion for technology and electronics, Billy's curiosity knew no bounds.

Billy is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Marianne (nee Thome) Roach of Vermilion, and his loving sons: Timothy (Jennifer Hayes) Roach of North Royalton, Brian (Jinnifer) Roach of Lakewood, and William "Bill" (Candice) Roach of Vermilion. He will be dearly missed by his cherished grandchildren: Colin and Finnegan Roach, Emilee (Kevin) Callahan, and Courtney (Eric O'Callaghan) Roach.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Jewel (nee Holden) Roach, and his sisters, Laverne Hurst and Shirley Yancey.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio. A prayer service will commence at 11:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 Noon at Saint Mary Parish, 731 Exchange Street, Vermilion, Ohio. Billy will be laid to rest at Resthaven Memory Gardens, where the Veterans Council will honor his service with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Mary Catholic Parish, 731 Exchange Street, Vermilion, OH 44089, or Mercy New Life Hospice, 3500 Kolbe Road, Lorain, OH 44053.

Expressions of sympathy and online condolences may be shared at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.