John L. Roach, 74, a civil service board commissioner for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, died Wednesday in his home in Tucson. Mr. Roach was born in Chicago. He served in Army infantry during World War II. He attended DePaul University and Chicago-Kent College of Law. He was a member of the U.S. Civil Service Commission from 1976 until his death. He was a resident of River Forest since 1964. Mr. Roach served as an attorney for former Cook County Public Administrator John Chuhak. He was an Illinois assistant attorney general. Mr. Roach was past president of the Irish Lawyers Guild. Survivors include his wife, Marie; three sons, Mark, Paul and Mel; three daughters, Claire Metz, Maggie Cimms and Monica; two sisters; and five grandchildren. Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in Ahern Funeral Home, 6621 W. North Ave., Oak Park. Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Wednesday in St. Luke Church, 528 Lathrop Ave., River Forest.
