Stephen Roach
February 24, 1953 - July 31, 2021
Obituary
Stephen Roland Roach, 68, of Indianapolis passed away on July 31, 2021. He was born in Indianapolis, IN on February 24, 1953 to Roland Edward and Thelma Jane (Petit) Roach. He is preceded in death by his parents; and brother Jeffrey Roach. Steve was a proud Cardinal Ritter (1971) and Butler University (1975) alumni. Steve held several careers which started in 1975 at Railroadsman's until 1977, from 1977-1984 he was the manager at Ed Schock's Hobby Shop in Eagledale, in 1985 he joined American Trans Air and managed the Corporate Procurement and Distribution up until 2008. In 2009, he began another twelve-year career with Indiana University as the Managing Director of Procurement, until the time of his death. A hard working and loved boss, Steve always tried to take care of his employees. Steve enjoyed spending quality time with his family and friends - a true family man. He was always involved in the activities of his family, educating himself with their new passions, in order to understand them better. He had a number of interests which included, model ship building from scratch, genealogy, antique clocks, family game night, being a history buff, and home improvement projects. A constant list maker, there was never a day off around the Roach household. Steve was an avid collector of historical artifacts, coins, stamps, carousel racecars, and sports memorabilia; all the while, reading countless books on the subjects. He was an enthusiastic fan of Butler basketball, the Indianapolis Colts and Indy Car Racing. He was a dedicated member of St. Michael the Archangel Church since 1958, where he donated his time and talents to the Parish Finance Committee, greeting parishioners before mass, and Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts Troop 400. In his neighborhood, Steve was the president of his Home Owners Association for the last 8 years. He was devoted to his family, faith, and community. Steve is survived by his loving and devoted wife of thirty-six years Carrie Sue (Nordyke) Roach; children Trevor Stephen Roach of Los Angeles, CA, Garret Roland (Margaret Kaster) Roach of Carmel, IN, and Devin Alexander Roach of Indianapolis, IN; grandson, Lucas Milo Roach of Carmel, IN; sister-in-law, Becki (Jeffrey) Roach; step-sisters, Sue (Claude) Zook, Theresa (Jim) Dinn, Nancy Hartman, and Mary Petree; twelve nieces and nephews; eighteen great nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family request baskets of indoor house plants. At the request of the Roach Family, they kindly ask that visitors wear mask coverings to both the visitation and funeral.
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Trevor Roach
Other •
He was an incredible man, who valued family above all else. I could always call him after the end of a day - be it to tell him of our Student Academy Award, to difficult patches in my life, where I needed his advice.
He supported my brothers and my dreams, and considering he raised a Cinematographer, Army Captain, and Pharmacist - is just proof of how great of a Dad he is.
My Dad loved my Mom, always being a shining example of how I want to someday carry myself with a future partner. He loved her and his family through every aspect out his life. The truest form of a family man.
I will never be able to list the endless ways I love him and how much I’m going to miss him. From the Indycar races, Butler Basketball games, James Bond marathons, the unlimited yard work, and love for chocolate cake.
When I landed back in Indy this morning and got home, the first thing I noticed was how quiet the house was. My dad was an avid grandfather clock collector, but no one had been home to keep the clocks running. If there’s ever a poetic message on just how precious your time on earth is…I’d say that is it.
I love you and miss you so so so much Dad. ❤️
+ 11
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Gerrit Luider
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I'm terribly sorry for your loss, Steve was a terrific person and Manager to work for at ATA from my time with them 1999 to 2005. Just know your family is in my prayers and may the good lord shine his Love on to you in this sad time, just always keep Steve in your hearts and memories. Gerrit F. Luider former lead @ ATA Distribution Center.
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Kathy Feister
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There are not many people who, when they come into someone’s life, create a friendship that spans years filled with special memories of time spent together. Steve was one of those people for me. From our early years at St. Michael’s to marching band performances at Ritter to both of us choosing Butler University to celebrating each other’s wedding, Steve was my friend. Although miles separated us and opportunities to get together with him and Carrie were far too infrequent, Steve was my friend. Allen and I are deeply saddened by Steve’s passing. We will miss our friend. Carrie, may you and the boys find comfort and peace in your memories of such a wonderful person.
Allen & Kathy (Schuler) Feister
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John Felter
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His journey is done and he will be missed.
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Josh Miller
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I have worked with Steve for his entire tenure at IUPUI. He has always been a hard worker and did everything he could to help us keep products, services and contracts moving in order to keep the campus looking and operating well. One of the qualities that really sticks out to me is Steve's desire to meet the needs of his customers. He would often think of unique ways to put a contract together so we could meet a deadline or find new ways to get more vendors/contractors to the bidding table, but always with the utmost integrity and within the bounds of Indiana University's fiscal policies. I know some of this sounds like boring work stuff for many that read it, but the countless times Steve helped me out made the work I had to accomplish that much easier. Steve was always easy to talk to, fun to work with, mastered every aspect of his job, and was always professional. His impact at IUPUI is significant and I will miss the support I have come to rely on from Steve, but moreover I will simply miss him as a person, as a peer, and as a great man. I don't know any of his family members, but you are in our thoughts and prayers. Based on the impression Steve left on his work friends I can only imagine the impact he had on those closest to him! I pray that God will hold and comfort you all during this time.
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Gary Hadden
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Steve was always so welcoming to me and my family every visit. He always made a point to have us over during the holidays and included everyone! He was very good to our son Kevin, when he and Garrett became buddies!! Just a wonderful husband to Carrie, father to his boys and extended family and even a better man and person. He will truly be missed. Thou be at peace Steve!!