Raphael M. Roche, 74, U.S. Navy veteran, quietly passed away on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, with his beloved wife, Sandy, by his side.

Growing up in Oak Park, Illinois, Ray graduated from St Catherine of Siena Grade School where he developed a love of sports, especially football. He cheered for the Chicago Bears and Chicago White Sox, celebrating their victories, and remaining faithful in their losses.

Proud of his Italian heritage, Ray held the family recipes handed down by his grandfather, uncle, and mother. Holding "Italian Sausage parties" was a regular opportunity to gather his children. While saying goodbye to his many relatives and friends, he gave them a gift of his secret recipes.
Ray enjoyed the culinary skills of an accomplished gourmand and his dinner parties offered lively discussions on all topics and his menus garnered great praise from all. He and Sandy enjoyed a bountiful vegetable garden and Ray made his Italian gravy from his backyard tomatoes.

Always learning and sharing his knowledge, Ray enjoyed reading a wide variety of selections. As a raconteur, Ray reveled in sharing humorous stories and displayed great comedic timing in his telling.
An avid fisherman, Ray often took his children fishing on Lake Michigan. Ray was a licensed captain on the Great Lakes and looked forward to catching the fresh salmon on the lake's waters.

Ray is survived by his wife, Sandra Pitello, and his children Erin (Dan Jones), Raphael M., Jr., (Lynn), Tony (Jessica), Daniel (Carolyn), Martin (Margaret), Tim, Katie, and Mina. He was a cherished grandfather of 13.
Additionally, Ray was a supportive, loving brother to Luisa (Michael Fertitta), Catherine (James Moran), Mary Teresa "T.D.", (Harold Taegel), Elizabeth "Bitty" (Robert Bellock), Francis (Anne) and the late Regina "Gina" (David Archie).

Memorial Visitation and Service Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at O'NEIL FUNERAL HOME 1105 E. 9th St., Lockport from 10:00am to time of service at Noon.  For Info: (815) 838-5010 or www.oneilfuneralhome.com