Obituary of Richard Andrew Roatch

Richard Andrew Roatch, age 91, a resident of Abington for the majority of his life, died on March 2, 2024, at his home surrounded by family. He was the devoted husband of Sandra Hibbs Roatch for 58 years. Born in Abington, Richard was the son of the late John A. and Marie L. (Pieper) Roatch. He graduated from Abington High School in 1950 and then attended Penn State University (Ogontz). He proudly served in the United States Navy as a Seabee from 1951 to 1955, during which time he was stationed in Africa and Cuba. Following his service in the US Navy, Richard worked for C. Raymond Lukens Construction in North Wales, Pennsylvania before starting his own business as a contractor/carpenter, retiring in 1993. Richard was a member of the Abington Fire Company since 1952, serving as Fire Chief for 28 years, and the International Association of Fire Chiefs since 1959. He served many years as an instructor at the Montgomery County Fire Academy, demonstrating the importance of continual training. His commitment to the fire service will forever live on through those he has trained and mentored. Richard's passions were family, the fire company, camping/RVing (meeting his goal of camping in all states except for Hawaii and Alaska), working in his man-cave garage, watching Eagles football and Phillies baseball. Richard's favorite sayings "How about that" and "How nice!" In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons, Richard A. Roatch (Cindy) and David P. Roatch, two grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, John E. Roatch. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Our Lady Help of Christian Church, 1500 Marian Road, Abington, where family and friends will be received from 9:30 to 10:20 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to Abington Fire Company Relief Association, 1920 Horace Avenue, Abington, PA 19001 or Jefferson Health at Home by Bayada, 225 Newtown Road, Suite 300, Warminster, PA 18974.