John 'Jack' Roach, fireman of the year
John S. “Jack” Roach, 86, of Georgetown passed away Friday, Feb. 21 2014, surrounded by his loving family.
Jack was born in Georgetown the son of the late James Edward and Helen (King) Roach. Jack retired in 1993 from the Town of Georgetown as maintenance supervisor for 20 years. Prior to working there Jack worked for Conaway Motors, The Swift Co. and Dover Air Force Base. Jack was in the Class of 1946 and in his senior year when he was drafted into the Army. Jack always enjoyed helping people. He joined the Georgetown Fire Co. Jan. 5 1970, and served for many years as the chief engineer and was also named the first Fireman of the Year in 1986. He was also awarded the Hometown Hero award from the Town of Georgetown and also worked many years with the Return Day festivities. He attended St. John’s UM Church. Jack was a fan of the Dallas Cowboys, NASCAR and enjoyed fishing.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Myrtle Roach; son David Roach; and great-grandsons Noah and Ian West.
He is survived by his children Jacqueline Wilson and husband Kenneth Sr., of Georgetown, James and Shirley Roach of Laurel, Steven and Louise Roach of Seaford, Deborah A. West and husband Ronald Sr. of Georgetown; grandchildren Ronald West Jr. and wife Cindy, Robert West and wife Beth, Kenneth Wilson Jr., all of Georgetown, Stevie Roach and wife Beth of Laurel, Tim Roach and Allison of South Carolina, Jamie Cathcart and husband Joe of Seaford, David W. Roach his wife Holly and a son, of Maryland, Candi and husband Rhett and their son and daughter of Bear; great-grandchildren Jackson, Ethan, Deven, Marshall, and Savannah West, Yessika West of Georgetown, Hayley, Troy, and Brett Roach, Kylie and Logan Roach, and Bailey Cathcart.
A funeral service with full fireman’s honors will be held Thursday Feb. 27, at 1 p.m. in the Chapel of Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market St., Georgetown, where friends may call after 11 a.m. Interment will be in Union Cemetery.
Flowers are accepted or contributions in Jacks’ name can be made to: Vitas Hospice, 100 Commerce Dr., Suite 302, Newark, DE 19713.
