Obituary: Nicholas Bo Roche, 25; Formerly Of Cheshire

CHESHIRE, CT — (From Alderson-Ford Funeral Home): Nicholas Bo “Nick” Roche, 25, of Austin, TX and formerly Cheshire, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 25, 2023 in Austin, TX. He was born March 18, 1998 in New Haven, CT, the beloved son of Robert and Vera (von Schmeling) Roche.

Nick was kind, smart and a great listener, who always made his friends and family laugh and was instantly likeable to those he met. He graduated with the Class of 2016 from Cheshire High School and attended the University of Connecticut, where he earned a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2020.

Nick grew up with and remained close to his amazing friends in Cheshire. During his time at college, stand-up comedy piqued his interest, and he attended several open mic nights to develop his style. He decided to follow his dream and relocate to Austin in September 2020 because of its thriving comedy scene which could offer Nick many ways to perfect his craft.

With courage, hard work and determination, he juggled his engineering and comedy careers. He built a reputation as “The Roast King of Austin” and this year was a featured comic on David Lucas’ National Tour. And his family is eternally grateful to have had the opportunity to see him perform for the first time in New York and Boston. He also treasured his many wonderful comic and engineering friends in Austin.

In addition to his parents, Rob and Vera of Cheshire, Nicky leaves his loving siblings, Robert I. Roche and his wife, Carolyn, (and his first nephew, soon on the way) of Tarrytown, NY and Julie Roche of Manhattan, NY; and his cherished grandmothers, Margret von Schmeling of Cheshire and Marion Roche of Hamden. Nick is also survived by his aunts and uncles, Thomas Roche of Hamden; Barbara and John Oddie of Hamden; Joseph and Lynne Roche Jr. of Wallingford; John and Maureen Roche of Wallingford; Fred and Helen von Schmeling of Matthews, NC; and Gisela and Steve Pupillo of Pawcatuck; his many treasured cousins and his first nephew, soon on the way. Nick was predeceased by his grandfathers, Dr. Bogislav von Schmeling and Joseph Roche Sr. and lifelong dear friend Stephen J. Friedler.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at www.afsp.org.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Alderson-Ford Funeral Home here.