Dennis John Roach, age 78, The Woodlands, Texas, passed away on January 9, 2022 after a long illness. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ann Roach, and father-in-law Henry Guynes.

Survived by Cathy Roach, his wife of 46 years; son Christopher John Roach (wife, Michelle); daughter Misty Kelly Aguilar (husband Daniel); and sister Karen Ann Roach. Dennis was a proud grandfather and is survived by Chelsie Roach Sheffner (husband Steven); Boston Matthew Kelly; Madeline Loveland Kelly; Wes and Haden Aguilar.

Also survived by sister- and brother-in-law Janet and Marshall Richardson; mother-in-law Mamie Guynes; niece Amy Gambacurta (husband Spencer); their children Abigayle, Colt and Dax; and nephew Cody Richardson.

After graduation in 1965 from the Maine Maritime Academy, Castine, Maine, with a Bachelor of Science in Maritime Engineering and his Third Assistant Engineer (Unlimited) license from the U.S. Coast Guard, Dennis was also commissioned an Ensign in the U. S. Navy Reserve, serving on vessels with the U.S. Merchant Marine to ship material to Vietnam and various foreign shores. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Lieutenant in 1973.

Resuming his career onshore, Dennis transferred his chemical engineering skills to a career in the paper-making industry with Southland Paper (Houston, Texas) and Weyerhauser Paper (Broken Bow, Okla.). In 1986, he joined Albany International,, Appleton Wire Division, working with the corporation until his retirement in 2007.

Dennis’ quick wit and antics endeared him to many. He loved to scuba dive and shared memorable experiences with his dive buddies. He also enjoyed fishing. His favorite saying, “It’s all in the wrist,” was repeated often as his rod and reel fell from his hand, splashing into the water below.

His daily retirement ritual was to meet friends at Starbucks. Dennis and his buddies all had different opinions on how the world should work, making for lively morning discussions. He also loved to travel, enjoying visits to a variety of foreign countries, with his wife and family.

A private family memorial is planned. His favorite charity was St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis Tenn., to which he contributed regularly.