Stephen J. Roach, 74, of New Hartford passed away on Friday, February 7, 2014 in St. Elizabeth's Medical Center with his loving family by his side. Steve was born in Utica on April 14, 1939 the son of James (Fran) and Mary Alice (Huss) Roach. He was raised and educated in Utica and was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. Steve married Catherine Neumann on September 9, 1961 at St. Paul's Church in Whitesboro. For 26 years until his retirement in 1983 Steve was employed as a photographer for the Utica Observer Dispatch. After his retirement he went back to school and graduated from the Simmons School of Mortuary Science and became a New York State licensed Funeral Director. Steve then went to work at the Heintz Funeral Home retiring from there in 1998. He was a member of the Press Club and a parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Men's Club of the church. Steve is survived by his wife Cathy, his daughter, Susan Zurek of New Hartford, his son and daughter-in-law, Lawrence and Denise Roach of Clay, NY, two beloved granddaughters, Katelynn Zurek of New Hartford and Danielle Roach of Clay, NY, a sister, Joan Pryor of New Hartford, two sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law, Maria and Robert Rieben of East Greenbush, NY and Gertrude Manch of Killeen, TX and several nephews and cousins. Mr. Roach's funeral will be held on Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at 10:15 from the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica and at 11:00 from Our Lady of Lourdes Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Burial will take place in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Whitesboro. Calling hours at the funeral home are Tuesday from 4-7. Those so wishing may make donations to the American Lung Association in Steve's memory. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Dang, Dr. Yoss, Dr. Kaul, Dr. Davidson and the staffs of ICU and 3C of St. Elizabeth's Medical Center for all the loving care given to Steve.