Wendell Lewis Rockey, Jr., 96, of Quarryville, formerly of Massachusetts, passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at his home. He was the beloved husband of Ruth S. (Shaffer) Rockey (formerly Ruth S. Fender), with whom he shared 4 years of marriage. He was also the husband of the late Joy Abigail (Fredericks) Rockey, who passed away in 1962, and the late Gertrude E.M. (Zuelow) Rockey, who passed away in 2011. Born in Joplin, Missouri, he was the son of the late Wendell L. Rockey, Sr., and Margaret A. (Johnston) Rockey. Wendell was a graduate of the New York City Public School System, class of 1940. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1942 – 1946, attaining the rank of Radarman First Class and earning the Good Conduct Medal, American Theatre Ribbon, and European Theatre Ribbon. After attending Gordon College in Boston, and Eastern Baptist College in Pennsylvania, he earned a B.A. in History from Temple University in Philadelphia, graduating in 1951, and then attended Westminster Theological Seminary, earning a Master’s Degree in Divinity, graduating in 1954. Finding employment as a pastor in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Wendell served for over 50 years at churches in Grove City, PA, Cranston, RI, South Hamilton, MA, and West Barnstable, MA. Wendell was a dedicated and joyful pastor, and a natural mentor to many theological students over the years. He also directed Deerwander Summer Youth Camp in Maine in the 1960s and early 1970s.
Up until his last day, Wendell was always mentally sharp and kept abreast of politics, cultural trends, and world events. In his spare time, Wendell enjoyed reading. He loved following Boston sports teams, especially the New England Patriots. He still managed to remain a lifelong Yankees fan, however, and would use his clergy pass to Fenway Park to cheer them on when he could find the time. He was a wonderful man and was much loved by his family. In addition to his wife Ruth, he is survived by daughters, Linda J. Jackson, of Boston, MA, and Louise M. Moriarty, of Osterville, MA; sons, Jonathan B. Rockey and wife Elizabeth, of Glenside, PA, and Mark L. Rockey and wife Janine, of Mechanicsburg, PA; sister, Louise Latimer Perry, of Tinton Falls, New Jersey; grandchildren, Jeremy M. Jackson, Nathaniel L. Jackson, Abigail M. Rockey, Madeleine E. Travis, Joy L. Moriarty, Jasmine J. McGann, Brendan L. Rockey, Derek D. Rockey, Trevor L. Rockey, and Justin M. Rockey. In addition to his first two wives and his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Edward Hugh Rockey. A service for Wendell will be announced at a later date. Interment will be private at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Wendell’s memory to the Kinsman Fund of Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community, 625 Robert Fulton Highway, Quarryville, PA 17566 (please make checks payable to “QPRC” and write “Kinsman Fund” on the memo line). Arrangements entrusted to Dewald Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., Quarryville. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.dewalds.com. Comments are closed.
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