George Dewick Roche

Portsmouth, RI - George Dewick Roche, 86, formerly of 18 South Drive, Portsmouth, RI, died Thursday, May 17, 2007 at Village House Nursing Home, Newport, RI. He was the husband of the late Joyce Sherman Roche. Born in Newport, RI on Feb. 12, 1921, he was the son of the late Arthur J. and Mary Shea Roche.Mr. Roche served in the United States Army during World War II. He attended de La Salle Academy. Mr. Roche worked for the Town of Portsmouth in the public works department from 1945 to 1947, at the Portsmouth Fire Department from 1947 to 1950 and then from 1950 to 1996 as a carpenter for himself and for the Government. He also built the piers and worked on the Harbor Barge. He is survived by his children George D. ?Dewey? Roche, Jr. of Portsmouth, RI, Shirley Mello of Middletown, Suzanne Sousa of Tiverton, RI, Syndee Schaeffer of Newport, RI, and Stefani Roche of Portsmouth, RI, his grandchildren, David A. Roche, Julie E. Roche, Gregory D. Mello, Stephanie M. Laurin, Christian J. Mello, Dustin N. Perry, Hayden Schaeffer, Joshua S. Dondero, Lucas N. Dondero and Sarah B. Dondero, five great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.He was the grandfather of the late George D. ?Gig? Roche, and the brother of the late Arthur J. Roche, Edmund F. Roche, Joseph C. Roche, Walter S. Roche and Robert T. Roche.His funeral will be held on Monday, May 21, 2007 at 10:00 am in Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI.Burial will be private.Calling hours will be held on Sunday, May 20, 2007 from 4-7 pm in the Funeral Home. Donations in his memory may be made to the Portsmouth Volunteer Fire Department Rescue Wagon Fund, P.O. Box 806, Portsmouth, RI 02871, the Middletown Rescue Wagon Fund, 239 Wyatt Road, Middletown, RI 02842 or to the American Cancer Society, 222 Richmond Street, Providence, RI, 02903.