Roche Bros. Co-Founder Patrick Roche Dies

Patrick E. “Pat” Roche, 83, died on Saturday, May 26.

The co-founder of , he lived in Marshfield. He founded the supermarket chain, based in Wellesley, in 1952, with his brother Buddy. The first location was in Roslindale, where they grew up.

There are now 18 stores including  and a new one which opened in Marshfield in 2005.

He was a graduate of Boston Latin School class of 1946 and Boston College class of 1951. Pat and his family moved to Marshfield in 1964.

He was a member and past treasurer at Marshfield Country Club. He was a proud alumnus of Boston Latin School and Boston College.

Roche was a long time member and Hall of Fame member of Massachusetts Food Association.

He was married to Barbara (Travers) Roche.

He was the father to Patrick E “Rick” Roche Jr. and his wife Cathy of Westwood and Edward G. “Eddie” Roche and his wife Denise Nicoli-Roche of Holliston. He was grandfather to Caitlin E. and Christopher M. Roche.

Roche was a brother to Daniel “Bud” Roche and his wife Eileen of Needham, Jack Roche, Columban Father of RI and the late James Roche.

He was the son of the late Patrick J. and Elsie Roche. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held at St. Christine’s Church, 1295 Main St. Rte 3A, Marshfield on Monday, May 28 from 3 to 7 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Christine’s Church on Tuesday, May 29 at 11 a.m. Interment will be in the Couch Cemetery Marshfield.

In keeping with Roche’s philanthropic ideas contributions in his memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.