James "Brien" Roche Sr.

Old Orchard Beach

James "Brien" Roche, 79, of Old Orchard Beach, passed away peacefully with family at his side on Saturday, May 2nd in Kennebunk, ME, due to complications related to Parkinson's Disease.

Brien was born in Philadelphia, PA on July 2, 1946, son of the late Philip Leo Roche and Francis Isabella Roche {O'Brien}. Before moving to Old Orchard Beach, ME, he lived in Somerville, MA, and Franklinville, NJ.

Brien grew up in the Oxford Circle Neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia, where he graduated from Father Judge High School in 1965 and two years later enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served a tour of duty in Vietnam as a munitions' specialist. Following his discharge, he began his lifelong career in the trucking industry taking him to about every state in the country.

When he was not at work, he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. Brien loved family "road trips" using different modes of transportation including not only cars but VW buses, pick-up trucks, motorcycles, and travel trailers. Many memories were made during the yearly trips to Watkins Glen and Daytona Beach Motorcycle rallies. He was an avid camper and had seasonal sites in both NH and finally in OOB, where he purchased his home "Where the Green Grass Grows."

In retirement, he became an active member of the Old Orchard Beach Community. He did volunteer work with the Salvation Army and drove other veterans to their appointments at the various VA clinics. He also was part of the Patriot Guard Riders, which accompanies veterans from the funeral home to the cemetery.

Brien was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Jennifer Cabral, who passed in 2013. He was also predeceased by his sister, Phyllis.

Brien is survived by his former wife, Virginia, who became his companion and caretaker in his final years, their son, Brian Patrick, his fiancée, Judy Grant, their grandchildren, Mario "Jake" Alosco, Natalie, and Isabel Roche.

He is also survived by former wife, Kay, their children, Sean, Bridget Primavera, husband Rob, James "Jamie", his fiancée, Cheryl Ezzio, Pauline Barry, her husband, Caoimhin, their grandchildren, Patrick, Catherine, Lucy, Domenic Primavera and Grace, Claire, Mary, Angie, Jane, and Sarah Barry.

He is also survived by two brothers Michael, his wife Kathy, and Patrick, his wife, Cindy and many nieces and nephews.

Following Brien's wishes, he will be cremated and have a private interment at the Veterans Cemetery in Springvale, Maine.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Michael J. Fox Foundation. givemichaeljfox.org

To share a memory or leave a condolence, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com