Richard H. Roche

Richard H. “Dick” Roche, of Braintree, passed away after a brief illness surrounded by his loving family on September 7, 2025. He was 66.

Dick was born in Weymouth, on October 21, 1958. The son of the late Paul V. Roche, Sr. and Patricia A. (Ahern) Roche, Dick was raised and lived in Braintree. He grew up loving nature and the outdoors. As an adventurous child he was always climbing trees, catching snakes, turtles, or any other reptile he could find. Dick never outgrew his passion for nature and instead turned it into a lifelong career as a landscaper and arborist.

Dick graduated from Braintree High School in 1976 and attended a post graduate program in Forestry at Norfolk County Agricultural School in Walpole. He pursued a career in landscaping, establishing The Roche Company in the early 1990’s and ran this successful enterprise until his death. Dick’s gift for landscape design and hardscape were renowned throughout all of New England. Contracting for celebrities, sports heroes, and notable properties such as Old City Hall, and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Perhaps one of his most iconic and notable masterpieces was the construction of The Monks Garden at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, where his craftsmanship will be enjoyed for generations to come.

Dicks world revolved around his family. Devoted to his wife, MaryEllen, for 46 years and his four children. He was extremely patient, kind and always encouraged them to follow their hearts and be themselves.

In addition to Dick’s wife and children, his siblings always relied on Dick as well. He was the rock of the family and helped each of his siblings in innumerable ways over the years. He listened, provided advice and was always there when needed, he never said no when anyone needed help. As part of a large extended family of cousins his loss is far reaching. He was everyone’s favorite everything – brother, cousin, uncle, and friend.

Dick was a brilliant man; he will be remembered for his intellectual generosity, always willing to share his knowledge and ideas. Another one of Dick’s most loveable traits was his sense of humor. He was a master of puns and an exceptional joke and storyteller. His incredible quick wit kept all around him laughing. No matter the situation Dick found a way to bring humor, laughter, and joy to everyone.

Dick is survived by his loving wife, MaryEllen (Egan) Roche of Braintree and his four children, Kelly D. Roche, Jessica M. Roche, Corey E. Roche and his wife, Dakota, and Daniel R. Roche.

He is the much-loved brother to Janet M. Roche, Ann-Marie Roche, Jacqueline Roche Stackpole, her husband Michael H. Stackpole, and the late Paul V. Roche, Jr and Diane P. Roche.

Dick is also survived by many adoring nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Sunday 9/21/2025 from 11-2 PM in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home in South Weymouth at 809 Main Street (Rte 18 opp. So. Shore Hospital).