Palo Alto Stanford Heritage

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481 Washington Avenue

Replacement home built in 2007:

Photo taken August, 2013

461 Washington

Owners: William and Margaret Roach

The original was a small, nondescript ranch house, vacant for many years because the owner was in a nursing home. The 1954 city directory lists Wm. L. Roach at that address.

original house

William Lloyd Roach obituary published November 1, 1995 in the Palo Alto Weekly:

William Lloyd Roach, 97, a 67-year resident of Palo Alto, died Oct. 21 [1995] at his home. Born in Paris, Texas, he had two distinguished careers: 43 years in the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of colonel, and 37 years as an educator. He earned a bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Oklahoma and a doctorate in education from Stanford University in 1936. He served in both World Wars, and after retiring from active duty in 1947, joined the Army Reserve. He taught for 25 years at the College of San Mateo. He was a commander in the American Legion, Post 54, and a president of the Palo Alto Forum Club. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Margaret Frantz Roach of Palo Alto; a sister, Mary Belle Ezzell of Bella Vista, Ark.; a daughter, Barbara Roach Johnson of Hollister; a son, Montgomery Frantz Roach of Gilroy; four grandchildren; and four nieces and nephews. Services have been held. Memorial donations may be sent to San Mateo Community College Retirees Scholarship Fund, care of 3401 College of San Mateo Drive, San Mateo, CA 94402.

Margaret Frantz Roach: born May 1, 1906, died May 15, 2003;