2008 Woodie Awards
Student remembered for 'infectious laugh'
University freshman dies after Elkton Road accident
by Katie Rogers
Issue date: 11/13/07 Section: News
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Freshman Sam Holloway said the laugh of his former roommate, John Roca, characterized the type of personality he had.
"He was always smiling. GH had the biggest smile," Holloway said. "We hit it off right away when we met. We watched 'Family Guy' in our room and ate Oreos for about three hours straight. That was our thing.
"He left me some Oreos."
John, a university freshman, was the victim of a fatal collision on Elkton Road at approximately 2 a.m. Saturday. He was struck in the eastbound lane near Otts Chapel Road by a Delaware resident driving a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer.
The driver and his passenger attempted to assist John at the scene of the accident while waiting for emergency responders. Despite efforts to revive him, John, 18, succumbed to his injuries at Christiana Hospital later that morning.
His friends and family remember the contagious laugh and gleaming smile that could always be found on John's face. His mother, Peggy Roca, said her son was constantly surrounded by friends.
"When you give love, you get love," Peggy said. "He was very passionate."
John, a Rehoboth Beach native, was an agriculture and natural resources major. He had taken a special interest in beach preservation after meeting with graduate students who were also involved with the university's shoreline conservation program.
"He loved the beach and he loved Rehoboth," Peggy said. "He just recently told me that he wanted to work to preserve the shoreline, so that no matter where he was, he could always be at the beach. I was so happy for him because I knew no matter where he worked, he would be happy and have a great life."
Peggy said her son was not only passionate about nature. He also had a deep love for painting and art, which he was studying as his minor. He had been painting since childhood, when he first developed the hobby through art lessons.
"He made beautiful things," she said. "He was fluent in Spanish and we went on a medical mission to Honduras in 2005. Some of his best work came from that trip."
John attended Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes, where he was an honor student and an officer for the Future Farmers of America. He lettered in swimming and was a lifeguard at North Shores.
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