09/01/2026
In Memory of Col. Terrence L. Roche (Ret.)
August 6, 1938 – August 26, 2026
The Watertown Rotary Club mourns the passing of Col. Terrence L. Roche (Ret.), a devoted servant, military leader, community builder, Rotarian, and friend to so many throughout the North Country.
Col. Terrence L. Roche (Ret.), 88, of Callicoon, NY, passed away peacefully at his home in Matthews, NC, surrounded by his daughters on August 26, 2026. Terry, steadfast in his Catholic faith, was deeply devoted to his family, his country, and the North Country of New York he called home. These commitments shaped his character and guided more than six decades of service to others.
Terry graduated cm laude from St. Bonaventure University in 1960 with a Bachelor of Business Administration. A Distinguished Military Graduate of the Army ROTC program, he received numerous academic and leadership honors before earning a Regular Army commission in the Field Artillery. He later earned two Master of Arts degrees in Management and Human Relations from Webster College.
During a distinguished 26-year Army career, Terry served his country with pride, honor, and devotion. In 1984, he and his family made their “permanent” home in the North Country when he received his final military assignment at Fort Drum, NY.
As Garrison Commander, Terry was at the center of a period of extraordinary transition as Fort Drum prepared for the arrival and expansion of the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry). He worked closely with military and civilian leaders to prepare surrounding communities for the influx of thousands of soldiers and their families, helping address the logistical, economic, educational, personal, and community needs that accompanied the growth.
Terry’s military service was recognized with numerous decorations, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, along with other awards for service at home and overseas. He retired from active duty in 1986—but never from service.
Following his military career, Terry devoted himself to the North Country. As Executive Director of the Fort Drum Steering Council, he helped guide the region through the tremendous growth accompanying the arrival of the 10th Mountain Division. He worked to strengthen cooperation between Fort Drum and surrounding communities and helped establish the Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization, further strengthening the partnership between the installation and the civilian community.
Terry later served as Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Watertown Chamber of Commerce, a position he held until 1999, where he continued to promote the economic vitality and quality of life of the North Country while building lasting relationships throughout the business and civic community.
His commitment to service extended well beyond his professional roles. Terry served as President of the Rotary Club of Watertown, founded the Purple Heart Scholarship Committee, served on the Economic Development Corporation of Carthage, the American Red Cross, the Carthage School Board, and the United Way of Northern New York, and gave his time and leadership generously to many other organizations.
His contributions to the North Country were recognized with the 2010 Israel A. Shapiro Award, the 2012 St. Bonaventure University Seneca Battalion Army ROTC Hall of Fame, the 2013 Carthage Citizen of the Year Award, and induction into the New York Veterans’ Hall of Fame in 2013.
Terry’s Catholic faith was central to his life. A devoted member of St. James Church in Carthage, he served on the financial committee, as a Eucharistic Minister, and as a weekly lector. He lived his faith through compassion, humility, generosity, and a willingness to give his time to others.
Terry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Maria. He is survived by his three daughters, Brienne Roche; Heather Ries and husband, Jeff; and Kelly Gilliam and husband, Joe; his sister, Maureen Knipp; and his cherished grandchildren, Jordan, Shannon, and Luke Ries, and Ethan Gilliam.
Although Terry accomplished much in his military and professional life, he measured success less by titles and honors than by the people he loved and served. His greatest legacy will be found in the family he nurtured, the soldiers he led, the communities he strengthened, the Church he served, and the many lives he touched.
Funeral Service
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026, at St. Luke Catholic Church, 9800 Fairview Road, Mint Hill, NC, with Fr. Paul Gary officiating.
Private burial with military honors will follow at Forest Lawn East Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers
The family suggests donations to the Northern New York Community Foundation in support of the Rotary Purple Heart Scholarship Fund, a cause Terry created that reflects his enduring commitment to veterans, education, and the North Country community.
Tax-exempt donations in Terry’s memory may be made to the “Rotary Purple Heart Scholarship Fund” through the Northern New York Community Foundation either online or by mail to Northern New York Community Foundation, 131 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601. Checks should be made payable to the Northern New York Community Foundation with “Rotary Purple Heart Scholarship Fund” noted on the memo line.
A life of service. A lasting legacy.
The Roche family extends its sincere gratitude to his loving caregivers, the physicians, nurses, hospice providers, clergy, and friends who provided Terry with compassionate care and support during his final days, and to all those who have offered prayers, kindness, and friendship to Terry and his family.
