Furman "Rocky" Rochester

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Furman "Rocky" Rochester at the age of 89 on January 3, 2024, in Merced, after a brief illness. Rocky was born on July 1, 1934, in Westminster, South Carolina, to the union of James Crayton Rochester and Dempie L. McDonald.

On August 31, 1951, Rocky embarked on a dedicated service to his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force (USAF). His journey led him to Castle Air Force Base, where he found a sense of belonging and chose to make Atwater his home. His commitment to duty and exemplary service culminated in his honorable retirement as a Senior Master Sergeant on August 1, 1974. Post-military service, Rocky pursued a career in furniture sales with Hansen’s Furniture and Manteca Furniture. Additionally, he earned an associate in arts degree from Merced College.

Rocky is survived by his loving wife, Isabel Rochester, and his six (6) children: James Rochester (Atwater), Mary-Jo Rochester (MN), Betty-Jo Nascimento (TN), Kimberly-Jo Rochester (Turlock), Jill Metlow (WA), and Holly Pierre (WA). He was blessed with ten (10) grandchildren, twelve (12) great-grandchildren, and two (2) great-great-grandchildren. Rocky was preceded in death by his stepdaughter, Roxanna Pacheco, whom he loved as his own.

Rocky was an avid golfer and a longstanding member of the Rancho Del Rey Golf Course. He also found great joy in his weekly "therapy sessions" at Table Mountain Casino with Isabel. Rocky had a deep affection for all animals, but particularly his beloved cat, "Rocco," who misses him dearly.

A memorial service to celebrate Rocky's life will be held on February 3, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Atwater Community Center in Atwater, Ca. Friends and family are invited to join in paying their respects.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Tunnel to Towers, Homeless Veterans Program, or the Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Society.

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