Douglas McGuire Roach

life story

The Best of You Lives On in Us

Douglas McGuire Roach, also known as Johnny, passed away on February 3, 2026, at Jamaica Hospital in Queens, New York, with family present.

Douglas was born in Agricola, Georgetown, Guyana, to the late Carmen Roach (later Carmen Willis) and Joseph Roach. He relocated to the United States in 1986 and worked at the Winthrop Law Firm in Manhattan, New York, for 23 years.

Although he had limited formal education, Douglas was highly intelligent, deeply observant, and streetwise, with a remarkable memory for people and events. In his own way, he was a historian—someone who carried stories, memories, and moments from the past, and shared them so they would not be lost. He always remembered, and now we remember him.

He will be remembered as a complex person—at times very outgoing and at times a loner. He lived a difficult life and showed resilience in the face of many challenges, fighting until the very end. That resilience will live on in all those touched by his presence.

He is survived by Joyceline Harris-Roach; his three children: Johnny, Joseph, and Dervla Carmen; four stepchildren: Erthaline, Dwinell, Matthew, and Peter; and five grandchildren: Natalyia, McGuire, Castle, Sky, and Justice. He is also survived by one sister, Annette; and five brothers: Joseph, Lloyd, Paul, Peter, and Andrew.

He also leaves to mourn his many nieces and nephews, including the Kissoon, Roach, and Willis families; as well as a host of cousins, including the Pauls, the Josephs, the Azores, the Legays, the Williams, and the Hunts, and many dear friends.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.