History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

Our History

Our History

Edward J. Roche (1913-2000), a native and life-long resident of Lenox, first opened the doors of Roche Funeral Home in May of 1951 and this establishment has been serving families with dignity and reverence for over 61 years at its original location at 120 Main Street, next to St. Ann's Catholic Church.

In the late 1800's and the first part of the 20th century, our building served as the original church rectory. The Roche Family has taken great pride in preserving and maintaining the historic building while keeping up with the times and expanding as demand has warranted over the years.

After his Honorable Discharge in 1945 as a Sergeant in the United States Army, Communications, Mr. Roche graduated from the New England Institute in Boston, MA in 1947 and became a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in 1949. He opened Roche Funeral Home in 1950 after purchasing the former Daley-Broderick Home on Main Street.

He was joined in business by his son, Edward J. "Ned" Roche, Jr., in 1980. Ned has been a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer since March of 1981 and became President and Owner of the funeral home following his father's death in 2000.Ned Roche was proud to welcome Ms. Amy Baczek in January of 2013, as a licensed apprentice. Since then she has completed the Mortuary Management/Funeral Science Program at Hudson Valley Community College, passed her National and State Exams, and is presently a licensed funeral director in the state of Massachusetts working full time for Roche Funeral Home.

Our Valued Staff

  • Mr. Edward J. Roche Jr.

    Mr. Edward J. Roche Jr. Owner/Funeral Director

    Ned began his career in Funeral Service in 1979. He attended the New England Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences. His father began Roche Funeral Home in May 1951. Growing up in this business, Ned considers in "an honor and privilege to serve the people of Lenox and Berkshire County."

  • Mrs. Amy M. Baczek-Tyer

    Mrs. Amy M. Baczek-Tyer Funeral Director

    Amy began her career at Roche Funeral Home as a licensed apprentice in January of 2013. She worked part time while attending Hudson Valley Community College as a full time student, majoring in Funeral Service. In December of 2013, she completed her schooling and graduated from HVCC. In November of 2014, she passed both her Science and Art portions of the National Boards then in May of 2015 she passed both portions of the state exams. On June 16, 2015, she was sworn in be the National Board of Funeral Directors as a Type 3 Funeral Director in the state of Massachusetts. Amy currently works full time at the Roche Funeral Home, Inc.