Mqrch 26, 2026
FROM THE HAUGHEY FUNERAL HOME: The Honorable Philip Joseph Roche, 69, formerly of Painted Post, passed away surrounded by his family on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, following a recent diagnosis of a rapidly progressing cancer.
Phil was born in Bath, NY to Mary (Purcell) and Robert Roche on July 31,1956, and graduated from West High School in 1974. Phil earned a Bachelor of Arts from the State University of New York at Oswego in 1978. He then completed a Juris Doctorate at the Western New England University School of Law in 1985. He began his professional career at a law firm in Painted Post which would later be named Yorio & Roche when he was named partner. In 2012, he was appointed as the Steuben County Public Defender. He was elected as County & Family Court Judge for Steuben County in 2017, where he served until his retirement in 2024.
Phil married Brenda (Althaver) of Howell, NJ on October 22, 1988, at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Painted Post, NY. They shared a wonderful 37 years of marriage and were blessed with three children. Phil made his family his greatest priority. Despite the demands of a busy professional life, he was a devoted husband and father, never allowing his schedule to come before the moments that mattered most.
Phil is predeceased by his parents and survived by his wife Brenda; his children, Michael (Emily) of Long Island, NY, Jennifer (Mark) Papuzza of Albany, NY, and Becky (fiancé Brian Lemons) of Arlington, VA; his siblings, Michele Marinera of Venice, FL, John (Charlotte) of Venice, FL, Robert (Christine) of Venice, FL, and Ellen (Mark Yecies) of Sarasota, FL. He is also survived by his grandson, Noah Papuzza and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Phil was active in the Corning-Painted Post community as a member of several boards and associations, including the Steuben County Industrial Development Agency, the United Way, and others. He also served as the Guthrie Corning Hospital Board Chairman where he was instrumental in the construction of a new hospital.
Phil enjoyed his summers spent at Keuka Lake sampling wines and hosting friends and family at numerous gatherings. In retirement, Phil bought a home in The Villages, FL where he and Brenda planned to spend the winters. He enjoyed reading, taking daily walks, and attending educational seminars.
Phil had a rare and enduring gift for friendship, forming bonds early in life that stood the test of time. Throughout his life, he was intentional about nurturing those friendships and developing new ones. His loyalty, warmth, and genuine care for others will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to call him a friend.
Calling Hours will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026, from 3:00-7:00 pm at Haughey Funeral Home, In., 216 E. 1st St, Corning, NY. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 11:00 am at St. Joseph’s Church, 8508 Main St, Campbell, NY, with Father Patrick Connor officiating. Friends and family are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Keuka Lake Association, https://www.keukalakeassociation.org/gifting-donations.php or the Saint Isidore & Maria Torribia Parish, 51 Maple St., Addison, NY 14801.
