Thomas F. "Tom" Roche

Thomas F. (Tom) Roche, 76, passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Kathleen E. “Kate” (Klusewitz) Roche. They shared 37 years of marriage together on February 14th.

Born in Reading, he is the son of Josephine A. (Klopp) Muth, and the late Frederick W. Roche. Tom graduated from Fleetwood High School, class of 1967. He was an active member of the Shillington community, serving as a Cubmaster (Troupe 264), a MAYBA baseball coach, a member and Shop Steward of the Teamsters Local 429, and a parent volunteer with the Governor Mifflin Sr. High Marching Band and Music Association. He was a proud U.S Navy Veteran, serving Americans during the Vietnam Conflict while also singing in the Naval Jacket Choir. He was a passionate advocate for the FMLA, the ADA, and all persons with disabilities and their families.

Tom was a dedicated member of St. John Baptist de la Salle Parish for nearly four decades and his faith was a pillar to how he carried himself. He was a honorary member of the Knights of Columbus, Holy Name Council 7179, and an avid participant in many ministries including St. John Baptist de la Salle’s Meal Ministry and the Mifflin Community Food Ministry.

Tom’s favorite thing was spending quality time with Kate and his children; he also enjoyed watching the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies, going to the beach, going camping and fishing, talking about cars, listening to his favorite bands on vinyl, along with woodworking, landscaping, and gardening. But most of all, he enjoyed the family project of creating an oasis in their backyard. The best moments were when he shared his infectious smile with the family over bonfires or quoits, or when they just spent a quiet night together on the couch.

In addition to his beloved Kate, Tom’s legacy is carried on by his children and their spouses: Thomas B. (Jamie), Christopher D. (Sabina), Jonathan T., Timothy J., Alexander M. (Jocelyn), and Bethany C. He is also survived by his siblings and their spouses: Cheryl Bieber (Rich), Gail Roche Van Wye (Harlan), George Roche (Linda), Bonnie Roche Blair (Lindley), Terry Muth (Adriana), Bryan Muth (Diana), and Gary Muth (Charmaine) and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Monday, March 9 th at 11:00 A.M. at St. John Baptist De La Salle RC Church 42 Kerrick Rd. Shillington, PA 19607. Friends may gather at 10:00 A.M. and are invited to join Tom through Mass.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Tom’s legacy by contributing to the narcolepsy network https://nni.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donation , to the Berks Animal Rescue League https://berksarl.org/ or to the charity of your choice.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc.739 Penn Avenue, West Reading, Pa 19611 is honored to serve Tom’s family. Online condolences may be expressed at https://www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com/