Obituary of Donald F. Roach

Donald F. Roach of Florida, NY entered into rest Thursday March 5, 2015. He was 84. The son of the late James F. and Rose Maksomski Roach he was born September 21, 1930 in Chester, NY. Don was the retired owner operator of Don's Luncheonette in Florida for 40 years. Don was a US Navy Korean War Veteran having served as a Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class. He was a 58 year member of the Florida Fire Department and Ambulance Corps, having served as a First Aider and a Driver of the Ambulance, Department Chaplin, Grand Marshall of the 105th Anniversary Parade, on the Executive Committee, as a Trustee, 1992 & 2007 Outstanding Fireman of the Year, and Chairperson of the 400 club. Don was also a member and Past Commander of American Legion Post 1250 Florida, PLAV Post 16 Pine Island, Warwick Valley Knights of Columbus #4952 where he was a 4th Degree, Middletown Elks Lodge #1097, and Orange County Volunteer Firemen's Association. He was a member of St. Josephs Church where he served as a Eucharistic minister. Don was a volunteer at St. Anthony Hospital, Valley View Center and at Meals on Wheels. He was honored as both Orange County Senior Citizen of the Year and as Village of Florida Citizen of the Year. Survivors include his wife of 58 years Frances Czubak Roach; Donald V. Roach and wife Susan of Texas; Dianne McDonough and husband Richard of Holbrook, NY; Mark Roach and wife Maria of Norwalk, CT; Matthew Roach and wife Denise of Florida; Sisters Mary Roach and Kathleen Campanella of Newburgh, NY; Sister in law Marie Roach of Lake Ronkonkama, NY. His grandchildren whom he dearly loved Michael, Stephen, Daniel & Amy Roach, Jennifer & Meghan McDonough, Sara, Jonathan & Alexa Roach. Many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother James D. Roach. The family would like to thank Bill Uszenski for all his support and assistance, members of the Florida Fire Department for the building of the ramp, and Arnold Bieling at Roe Brothers for the donation of the wood for the ramp. Also to the nurses on the 1st floor of St. Anthony's and Dr. Mayank Shah for the care each gave to Don over the last 20 years. Visitation will be held on Sunday March 8, 2015 at T.S. Purta Funeral Home 22 Glenmere Ave. Florida, NY from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Legion services will be held at 7:00 pm , Firematic services at 7:30, Knights of Columbus service at 8:00. Funeral Mass will be held 11 am on Monday March 9 at St. Josephs Church 20 Glenmere Ave., Florida. Msgr. Joseph Penna will officiate. Burial will be in St. Josephs Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Josephs Church 14 Glenmere Ave. Florida, NY or to Florida Fire Department PO Box 600 Florida, NY.