Obituary of Michael J. Roach

Michael Joseph Roach, of Tully Lake Park, died peacefully on Wednesday afternoon at his home, surrounded by his family. Born in Syracuse on November 17, 1938, Mike was the eighth of nine children born to the late William and Anne (Tunney) Roach. The family resided in the Eastwood area, and Mike attended St. Vincent De Paul School. After high school, Mike enlisted in the U.S. Army, and was stationed in Germany. Following his honorable discharge from the military, Mike returned to Syracuse, where he took a job with the railroad. Eventually Mike was employed at Chrysler’s New Process Gear facility, where he retired after 30 years of service as an Electrician.
On May 6, 1961, Mike married Gail Gannon at the St. Vincent de Paul Church, where they were life-long parishioners. After starting their family, Mike and Gail moved to Elm Street, on the Near Eastside of Syracuse, where they raised their four children. Upon becoming “empty-nesters”, Mike and Gail moved to the charming community of Tully Lake Park, where a great many enduring friendships were made.
Mike's family will remember him as a loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather, who was always there to help when a problem, often an electrical issue, occurred. Mike’s friends and those who knew him will remember him as a happy-go-lucky Irishman who appreciated a good joke, loved to laugh, loved to enjoy a pint with his friends, and loved the game of golf.
In addition to his parents and wife, Mike is predeceased by his brothers John and William “Billy” Roach; his sisters Nora “Nonie” Libertone, Delia “Dee” Ficarro and Nancy Brandt.
He is survived by his children Kathleen Roach Finn, Michael, Colleen, and Danielle Neuser (Kevin); grandchildren, Maxwell and Elana Finn, Chloe Roach, Manoj Kunnath, and Jackson Neuser; sisters, Helen Swift and Margaret Lent; and brother James (Barbara) Roach, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. 
Calling Hours will be Monday, June 10 from 4-7pm at Goddard-Crandall-Shephardson Funeral Home, 3111 James Street, Syracuse. The funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, June 11 at St. Vincent's Church, 342 Vine St.  Burial to follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, DeWitt.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent’s Church.
Online condolences, www.shepardsonfh.com.