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Celebrating the life of

Patrick W. Roach, Jr.

January 16, 1944 - December 18, 2025

Patrick W. Roach, Jr.

Patrick W. Roach, Jr., January 16, 1944 – December 18, 2025

Patrick W. Roach, Jr., passed away at the age of 81 after a brief illness on December 18, 2025. A third-generation Tybee resident, Pat was the oldest son of Bill and Katherine Roach. He grew up in the marshes and rivers of Tybee and had a natural curiosity in discovering how machines worked, deconstructing typewriters and boat motors and putting them back together.

Pat attended St. Michael’s Catholic School and Benedictine Military School. He graduated from Southern Technical College in Marietta with an associate’s degree in civil technology. He also earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in business administration from Armstrong State College.

He started his career with the Georgia Highway Department, followed by a 38-year career in civil engineering with Savannah Electric and Power Company and Georgia Power. His persistence in petitioning the Georgia Professional Board of Engineers and Land Surveyors to allow him to sit for the Professional Engineers exam led to him becoming the first candidate with an engineering education from a college other than Georgia Tech to successfully earn the Professional Engineer designation, paving the way for others to do the same. He was a long-time member of the Surveying and Mapping Society of Georgia and instructed surveying courses at Savannah State University.

While working at SEPCO, Pat repeatedly led the team of volunteers for the non-profit organization Christmas in April that refurbished homes of homeowners struggling financially, often spending many weekends making additional repairs to homes long after the volunteer event was over. His family members enjoyed volunteering at these events and witnessing his leadership at work.

Pat was a devoted husband of 60 years to his wife Ellen May Roach and loving father to his four daughters Patricia (Carter) Harrison, of Collierville, TN; Susan (Michael) Mallory, of Salt Lake City, UT; Teresa (Dan) Johnson, of Roswell; and Rebecca (David) Campbell, of Atlanta. He was also a doting grandparent to Carter, Marlene, Olivia, Halley, Will, Claire, Jonah, Alex and Grey, as well as a loving great grandfather to Chip, Maggie, Elliot and James. Pat was a loving and supportive oldest brother to Katherine R. Looper (Carl), Alan J. Roach (Dianne and Brian Roach-Minkovitz), and Michael J. Roach. He was a member of St. Michael Parish.

Pat leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, quiet insight and resilience. He will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 25 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Fox and Weeks Islands Chapel.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, January 26 at 10:00 am at St. Michael Catholic Church on Tybee. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Pat's remarkable life and share in remembrance.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Old Savannah City Mission or the Savannah branch of Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC/Savannah) or Benedictine Military School. 

 

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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GUEST BOOK

Ellen, Family, Kathy, Alan, Terrance, I was so sorry to read about Patrick, seems like I have known the Roach family just about all my life. Patrick was a fine person with a quite way about him. A true Tybee icon who will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers ae with you all. Jackie and Charlie

- Jackie and Charlie Brown, Tybee Island/Metter, Georgia

I am so sorry to hear of Pat's passing. Working with him in Engineering was a pleasure due to his quiet, humble ways of doing his work and kind ways he treated everyone.

- Diana Hodges, Savannah, GA

Sorry to hear about Pat. He was a great friend and a very good co-worker. My thoughts and my family's prayers are with the Roach family. We worked on many jobs together and I learned that Pat was as good a teacher as he was a Civil Engineer. Pat was always there to help and always willing to take the lead. He loved to laugh and we did a whole of that as we worked together. Bless his family and may God be with them as they go through this time.

- Paul and Elaine Lester, Savannah, GA

My condolences to the family. Pat was a fine man, and an excellent Surveyor. I took my Land Surveying classes from him years ago, and I would not be licensed now if not for him. He was a credit to our profession, and an outstanding member of society.

- Dale Yawn, Savannah, Ga.

RIP Patrick..Thank you for being so helpful to my brother Michael. You were such a kind and gentle southern man.

- Sara Mahany, Savannah, Ga

My thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of sorrow. May God continue to strengthen and comfort you.

- Carrie Shuman Lawson, Savannah , Georgia

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the family.

- Mary Anne Butler, Tybee Islnd, GA

My condolences to the entire Roach family. Patrick was a wonderful neighbor and friend. He regularly mowed my lawn. Ellen and Patrick looked out for me. Prayers and best wishes.

- KATHERINE D GARLINGTON, Savannah, GA

I'm so sorry to hear of Pats passing. Without his expert teaching, I wouldn't be a licensed land surveyor today. Rest In Peace My Friend.

- Spencer L. Harrison, SAVANNAH, Ga

Ellen and family, May God bless and comfort you and may all of your memories of time shared with Pat bring you wonderful peace. Rose Mary and I enjoyed having you and Pat as our across the street neighbors for so many years. Pat and I also worked together at Savannah Electric and Power for many years. Pat was an awesome transmission engineer and land surveyor, but he could do anything. Yes, Pat Roach was one of the most intelligent individuals that I have ever met. He knew interesting facts and information about a multitude of subjects. He was a man of few words but on some occasions when we served together on hurricane duty Pat would sometimes talk about his family . During one of those times he told me how lucky he was to have found you, Ellen, and to have you for his wife. You could feel the love in his voice. He said that he was happy with the life that you two had built together and how much you loved your daughters. Pat was an honest man, a great neighbor, and hard worker, and a wonderful friend. I will miss my friend Pat until our spirits catch up one day, out in the heavens. Jim and Rose Mary Cone

- Jim and Rose Mary Cone, Savannah , Georgia

Dear Ellen and the extended Roach family. Please accept our deepest sympathies, condolences and prayers on the passing of Patrick. May his soul rest in peace.

- Chris Desa, Savannah, GA

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel
912-898-0900


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