ALNA – Frederick Joel DesRoches, 61, of Head Tide Village in Alna, died suddenly at his residence on Oct.19.

He was born in Hanover, on Dec. 2, 1942, son of the late Phillip J. and Eva (Merrill) DesRoches. He attended Bethel schools and graduated from Gould Academy in 1960. He married the former Ruth Searles of Wilton, on Nov. 3, 1967.

He joined the United States Navy 1964.

He attended Electronics A school, USN, 1965; Accounting, Bentley College, 1961; Digital Technology, Hesser College, 1975; B.S. Technical Business, New Hampshire College, 1976; and Columbia School of Sales Management, 1997. He was a founding partner of Chester Technical Services in Guilford, Conn., and from 1984 – 2003 worked for Tellabs, Inc. where he became vice president of North American Sales for Tellabs Operations, Inc., Naperville, Ill., retiring in May 2003.

An avid golfer, he played in the annual Purdue University Birck Cup Golf Tournament, a Ryder Cup style format. He was instrumental in helping his team to four overall wins against just one loss in the past five years with a sterling record in his matches of 13 wins, five losses and two ties. He was a member of the Boothbay Golf Country Club. He had just returned from an Ireland golf trip and was scheduled to play in Myrtle Beach where he also golfed with friends each year. He played many charity golf tournaments throughout the country. He especially enjoyed playing at the Black Sheep Golf Club in Sugar Grove, Ill., and the new Sunday River Golf Course at the Sunday River Ski Resort in Bethel.

He was a volunteer fireman with the Alna fire department.

His other interests included fishing from his Boston Whaler which he kept docked at the Schooner Landing in Damariscotta, constructing his new barn, other woodworking projects, riding his Harley and just working around his home. He was always available to lend a helping hand or give support to friends whenever needed. He was considered the perfect host by friends that visited each summer. His lobster rolls were considered the best.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth; two sons, Dustin Philip DesRoches, of Hauppauge, N.Y., and Jay Douglas DesRoches, of Orlando, Fla.; two sisters, Carol Verril, of Woolwich and Judith Smith, of Lewiston; he so loved his three new grandchildren, Caleb Lee DesRoches, 2, of Charlotte, N.C., Olivia Kay DesRoches, 1, and Emily Frederic Georgia DesRoches, of Hauppauge, Long Island, N.Y.; he also leaves behind his bulldog, Martina.