Sharon Selectmen Walter Roache Dies

SHARON, MA — Selectman Walter "Joe" Roache, 82, died Friday at home surrounded by his family. Town officials in a statement they were "deeply saddened" by Roache's death, saying he dedicated his life to Sharon. Besides serving on the Board of Selectmen for the last two decades, Roache was a call firefighter 22 years and worked for the school department for almost 40 years before retiring in 1999.

"He (Joe) has served on countless other boards and committees over the years, from the July 4th Committee to the Family Week Committee to the Capital Outlay Committee and many others, and was co-chair of the 250th Anniversary Committee," town officials said in a statement. "Joe loved Sharon, and it showed. Joe was a daily fixture around town in area coffee shops and during his rounds to multiple town buildings – and always with a smile on his face. He always had the town’s best interest at heart and in every vote he took as a member of the Board of Selectmen."

When Roache wasn't at work, his family said he could usually be found working in the yard, his wood shop, or operating his wood splitter. He also enjoyed fishing on Lake Massapoag, meeting friends for coffee, and discussing current events in town. But most of all Joe loved spending time with his family, his obituary said.

"Most of all, Joe loved spending time with his family, especially during the holidays," Roache's family wrote. "His favorite holiday was Christmas, when he spent countless hours decorating his home for his family to enjoy. A close second was Easter; every year Joe would hide six hundred Easter Eggs around his home for his grandchildren to find. Being surrounded by his family truly was Joe’s greatest joy."

A celebration of Roache's Life will be held from 4 p.m. yo 7 p.m., Wednesday at James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, located at 48 Common St. in Walpole. Roache's funeral will be at 10 a.m., Thursday at the First Congregational Church of Sharon, at 29 North Main St.