Robert J. Roach, 85, of Hinsdale, former longtime resident of LaGrange Park and Oak Park, died on Feb. 2, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born on Jan. 4, 1941 at St. Anne Hospital, he loved growing up in South Oak Park, and had many fine childhood memories and friendships that endured.
A proud graduate of Ascension School’s class of 1954, he graduated a proud Friar from Fenwick High School in 1958 and from Loyola University in 1962.
He was larger than life in stature, humor, and wit. He held court on the sideline or bleachers. If he was at a game you knew it. He played golf courses around the world, loved reading, dressed impeccably and was the best storyteller. He impacted many lives as Coach Roach.
For 55 years he was proudly employed in the Chicago paper industry. He was vice president of sales for 48 years at Bradner Smith and Company and for seven years at Lindenmeyer-Monroe, a division of Central National Gottesman Corporation. He served as governor of the Board of Directors of the Western Golf Association-Chick Evans Scholarship, president and director of the board of La Grange Country Club, life trustee of the Board of Directors of Fenwick High School, president of the Chicago Graphics Arts Club, chairman of the La Grange Park Caucus, and numerous other boards and clubs over the years.
Bob was the husband of Patricia (nee Hayes), his wife of 61 years; father of Robert (Heather) Roach, Michael Roach and Kathleen (Brian) McLaughlin; proud Bop of Chance Roach and Charles, Edward and William McLaughlin; son of the late Robert and late Mary (McCormick) Roach; brother of the late Kathleen (late George) Hyland; brother-in-law of the late Thomas (late Carole) Hayes; uncle of many Huff, Hyland and Hayes nieces and nephews; and a dear friend to almost every person he met or encountered in life.
Visitation will be held at Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Road, Westchester on Feb. 15 from 2 to 7 p.m. All will gather on Feb. 16 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 124 N. Spring Ave., LaGrange, for an 11 a.m. funeral Mass. Interment private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the We Thrive Annual School Fund of St. Francis Xavier Parish School, 145 N. Waiola Ave., La Grange, IL 60525, or the Western Golf Association, Evans Scholar Foundation, 2501 Patriot Boulevard, Glenview, IL 60026, are deeply appreciated.
Arrangements were handled by Peter B. Kennedy & Co. Funeral Directors.
