David H. Roche

David H. Roche, 74, died unexpectedly Saturday, December 24, 2022 at the Beth Israel Medical Center in Plymouth, after falling ill at his home in Manomet.  Born in Hyde Park to the late Martin J. Roche, Jr. and the late Jacquelyn Roche (Young), he was raised and educated in Milton and was a 1966 graduate of Milton High School.  He also attended New Prep in Cambridge and Belknap College in New Hampshire. As a young man, he was active in Christ Church in Hyde Park and served as a Youth Acolyte for several years.  In 1970 he married Cynthia R. Eaton, after meeting her in Manomet.   Together, they enjoyed 53 years of marriage while raising their beloved sons.  They spent over 45 years in Sharon raising their family before moving to their Manomet summer home on a full-time basis in 2012. 

 David was a Veteran of the US Air Force, loyally serving from 1970-1974.  Throughout this time you would find him repairing cars and helping his fellow servicemen.   His love for cars and trucks started early in his youth.  He built a racecar that was raced at Seekonk Raceway by his best friend Gary West.  Fixing cars as a hobby built the path he took in a successful career in the truck industry.  He worked for International Harvester, United Truck Leasing and Rodman Truck Sales, and started National Fleet Distributors.  In 1989, along with two partners, he started Bayside Trucks in South Boston and later moved the company to Avon, where they ran the business until they sold it and retired in 2020. 

David was an influential mentor and role model to many in the truck industry but his true passion was his family. David was a skilled handyman and tirelessly worked at his home and the homes of his sons on projects, both big and small.  He also enjoyed restoring his boat a 1972 Hiliner. He was a dedicated and loving husband, a trusted and inspired father and a loving grandfather who will be greatly missed. 

In addition to his wife Cynthia R. (Eaton) Roche, he is survived by his two sons, Christopher J. Roche and wife Kim, Brian M. Roche and wife Betsy, and his beloved grandchildren Brennan, Michael, Lily, Cara and Mary Roche.  He was the father of the late Michael H. Roche.  He is also survived by his sister Deborah Daher of Manomet and countless other family members and friends.  

Funeral Service will be held from the Farley Funeral Home, 358 Park St. (Rt. 27) Stoughton on Friday, December 30 at 12 Noon.  Visiting Hours prior to the services are from 10AM-12 PM.  Interment will follow at Rock Ridge Cemetery, Sharon.  In lieu of flowers, donations in David’s memory may be made to Amego Inc., 33 Perry Ave., Attleboro, MA 02703.