Michael Joseph "Mike" Roach

It’s with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Michael Joseph ‘Mike’ Roach of Boston, MA, on July 27, 2025, at the ‘young at heart’ age of 66 years.

Mike was born with his easy-going nature on December 16, 1958, to Mary Ann Scheuerer (Allison) and Jerome (Jerry) J. Roach, Jr. in Ithaca, NY. His solo reign in the Finger Lakes region ended with the arrival of his brother Chris and then after the family moved to Walton, NY, their sister and constant shadow, Carol made them complete.

Mike graduated from O’Neill (Walton) High School in 1977. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Syracuse University (SU), majoring in Advertising Design, a year early in 1980 and then shipped off to Boston. His time at SU made Mike a rabid Orange Men fan (win or lose) and he could keep you entertained with his latest opinion about a game (college or pro). He’d never pass up a chance to watch one of his beloved New England teams and eat a good taco or three.

Besides Mike’s knack for being the most affable person in any room, he was a talented artist and award-winning graphic designer, with a true ‘eye for design’. Bartex Publishing was the first to recognize his creative flair and brought him on as Staff Artist/Art Director. Dedication and a successful design portfolio led Mike to join Cahners Publishing as Art Director, Reed Business Information as Senior Art Director, and Peerless Media, LCC as Creative Director. Mike’s gift earned him numerous in-house accolades and design awards, in addition to several national awards sponsored by the American Society of Business Editors. He became well known in the publishing world as a brilliant, creative mind who was a pleasure to work with, ‘a consummate professional, funny as hell, and pretty Zen’.

Art was not his only talent. Mike created three amazing daughters in Weymouth, MA. They brought light to his eyes whenever he spoke of them, and could not have been prouder of their drive and resilience.

Whether Mike was risking life and limb on go-carts and mini-bikes, earning Boy Scout badges in the rugged terrain at Philmont Scout Ranch, playing tennis, conquering White Rock, breaking a bone, or being the team anchor for the 1st place Halloween window-painting contest (4yrs in a row!), he was a beacon of friendship, good times, and mischief for all.

Mike leaves behind his three daughters, Amanda Roach (partner Chloe), Allison (Zach) Sanborn, and Samantha (Nolan Long) Roach and their mother, Sharon Webb; his brother Chris (Dawn) Roach, nephew Nick, and niece Jennifer Roach; his sister Carol, brother-in-law Tony Antonelli, and nephews Anthony (Jackie) and Michael (Alycia Carney) Antonelli, Uncle Thomas H. Roach, and Aunt Leonore ‘Lorrie’ Roach, nephews Billy (Emily) Webb, Jared and Alex Jernegan, and nieces Madison Hussey, Melissa (Jay Daniels) and Jenn Webb. Mike also leaves his brothers from another mother, Chris (Cindy) and Pat (Sarah) Lavell, who’s unconditional love and support mean more than they know. Many other family and friends, too many to mention, will also remember Mike fondly. Those who are welcoming him home to Heaven include his mother, MaryAnn Scheuerer and her husband Wolfgang; Mike’s father, Jerome J. Roach, Jr.; paternal grandparents Jerome J. and Anita (Hawley) Roach, Sr.; paternal uncle, Richard R. Roach; and his maternal grandparents Robert R. (Alice Owens) and (Lillian) Allison.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to any or all of the following compassionate and life-saving organizations:

St. Francis House: Checks may be mailed to: St. Francis House, P.O. Box 120499 Essex Station Boston, Massachusetts 02112-0499 or donate on-line at: https://give.stfrancishouse.org/campaign/706531/donate

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Bay Cove Human Services: Checks payable to: Bay Cove Human Services, Attn: Development Department, 66 Canal Street, Boston, MA 02114 or donate on-line at: https://baycovehumanservices.org/donate

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Barbara McInnis House: Checks payable to: Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Development Office, 780 Albany St., Boston, MA 02118. To make a gift over the phone, please contact Josie Rodriguez, Development Operations Manager, at jrodriguez@bhchp.org or 857-654-1053 or donate on-line at: https://www.bhchp.org/donate/