Richard ‘Rocky’ Wayne Rockwell, 64, of Payson, Ariz.
PAYSON, ARIZ. » Richard “Rocky” Wayne Rockwell, 64, of Payson, Ariz., and formerly of Stone Ridge, N.Y., died Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018, at Compassus Hospice in Payson.
Born in Sidney, N.Y., he was a son of the late James and Marion Rockwell.
Rich retired from GE Healthcare where he worked for 34 years as a Field Engineer, before retiring with his wife Angela to Payson. Rich also was a proud Navy veteran. Prior to working for GE, he served in the Navy as an ET1 from 1971 to 1980 during which he became an electrical engineer and completed several deployments on the USS Iwo Jima. Notably, he participated in multiple missions in the Middle East and Suez Canal. Rich received the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (twice), and Meritorious Unit Commendations.
Rich took great pride in helping others not only in the military and his profession but also by volunteering in different capacities. Most recently in Payson, he was an active team member with the Tonto Rim Search & Rescue, rescuing residents and hikers from flash floods, falls, or being lost in the forest and canyons. He also volunteered with the Community Presbyterian Church Deacon’s Food Pantry.
In addition to his service to others, he enjoyed many hobbies. He was a member of the Tonto Rim Sportsman’s Club, the Mazatzal Mountain Muzzleloaders, and the National Muzzleloading Rifle Association, enjoying black powder shooting. Rich hiked with the Payson Packers and enjoyed experiencing new places. An avid car enthusiast, he was passionate about NASCAR and his Shelby GT 500. Rich also was a NY Yankees fan. He enjoyed trains and was an ardent outdoorsman.
Rich is survived by his wife, Angela of Payson, Ariz.; sons, Brad (Mary) of Kerhonkson, N.Y., and Craig of Lake Katrine, N.Y.; daughter, Callie Phillips (Christian) of Petrified Forest NP, Ariz.; his brothers, Paul of Aurora, Colo., Foster of Arlington, Va., and Scott of Brighton, Colo. He has five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
In addition, Rich was predeceased by wife Diane in 1998, and brother Douglas in 2012.
A celebration of Rich’s life is planned for Feb. 10, 2018, in Payson. Services in Ulster County are being planned for June 2018.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to be made to: Tonto Rim Search & Rescue, P.O. Box 357, Strawberry, Ariz., 85544 www.trsar.org, Deacon’s Food Pantry, Community Presbyterian Church, 800 West Main St., Payson, Ariz., 85541 www.cpcpayson.org, or to a charity of your choosing.