Joseph P. Roche, 70, of Port Charlotte, Fla., and formerly of North Huntingdon, Pa., passed away Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012.

He was born Feb. 4, 1942, in Pittsburgh, Pa., the son of James and Julia (nee Benzella) Roche.

Joseph served in the U.S. Army in Korea. He attended Penn Hills High School. Joseph earned his associate degree and was a college instructor in architectural and mechanical engineering. He moved to this area in 2010 after retiring, and was a member of First Baptist Church of Port Charlotte. Joseph enjoyed going dancing, traveling and listening to Polka music. He was a baseball coach and a former vice president of the Police Athletic League in Pennsylvania.

Joseph will be greatly missed by his wife of two years, Rosalee; sons, Joseph (Cindy), Patrick, Thomas (Amy) and David; daughters, Corena and Amanda (James Jr.); brother, James (Sally); sisters, Nan, Betty and Peggy; grandchildren, Raven, Patrick, Kelsey, Josh, Shelby, Thomas, Taylor, Heather, Megan and Devin; great-grandchildren, Nathan and Kayden; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Edward, Patrick and Thomas.

A service to celebrate Joseph’s life will be at 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 14, 2012, at First Baptist Church of Port Charlotte. Burial will follow at Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota, Fla. To express condolences to the family, please visit www.Ltaylorfuneral.com and sign the online guestbook.

Arrangements are by Larry Taylor Funeral and Cremation Services.