Robert Howard "Bob" "Rocky" Rockel

Final Flight on November 14, 2014

Robert Howard "Bob" "Rocky" Rockel, Lt. Col., USAF (Retired)

July 07, 1935 - November 14, 2014

Robert Howard Rockel

Lt. Col. Retired USAF

Robert (Bob) , 79, passed away Saturday, November 15, 2014 at Liberty Heights Retirement Community where he lived in Colorado Springs. Bob was born on July 7, 1935 to Roy and Cora (Dorwart) Rockel in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Bob was an only child. He graduated from Lehigh High School and attended Lehigh University.

Bob served as an Officer in the United States Air Force as an HH-53 helicopter pilot. This elite group of pilots were known as the Jolly Green Giant Rescue Crews! Their motto was "SO THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE! This is what Bob, or as the pilots called him "Rocky" lived by. Always helping others. During his beginning years as a pilot, he met and married Renna Jo Lively of Oxnard California.

Upon retiring from the Air Force after 30 years, Bob and his family moved to Dallas Texas. He wanted to spend more time with his family whom he loved very much ! He then went to work for Flight Safety International as a Flight Simulator Instructor for 10 years.

After Bobs' wife passed and his son Robb whom was only 41, passed, his daughter, Kimberly moved him up to Colorado Springs, Colorado to be close to them. He loved spending his retirement years with his family.

He was the kindest man we have ever known. Always looking for the good in everyone. Never did he have a negative comment. What a GIFT!!

Robert Rockel is preceded in death by his Mother Cora Rockel and Father Roy Rockel, wife Renna Jo (Lively) Rockel and his son Robert Edwin Rockel. He is survived by his daughter Kimberly June (Rockel) Tyler-her husband John and their children/ Bobs grandchildren: Mason Robert Tyler, Austin Alexander Tyler and Brysen Tyler/ and Robert Edwin Rockels son: Benjamin Donald Rockel.

FUNERAL SERVICE:

A Military grave site ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 29, 2014 at 10:00 am at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park at 5400 Valentine Road- Ventura California 93003 Ph # (805) 642-1055

For all correspondence : The Ted Mayr Funeral Home is handling all arrangements ''' flowers etc. 3150 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura, California 93003 Ph# (805) 643-9977

An additional Memorial Service will be held later in Allentown Pennsylvania with all of Bobs' friends and family. In a few months from now. To be announced later.

Please go on line if you would like and maybe tell us some stories that you may have about Bob, you can visit www.Swan-Law.com

In Memory of Bob's wife Renna,

Any donations may be made to:

Association for FrontoTemporal Degeneration

Radnor Station Bldg #2, Ste # 320

290 King Of Prussia Rd.

Radnor, PA 19087

GUEST BOOK

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Well, old friend, I saw you off on your last flight Saturday. The service would have made you proud. Kim did well.

I shall miss you. John Harris

~

John Harris, Euless, Texas

Sunday, November 30, 2014

I worked with Bob occasionally at Liberty Heights as his fill-in physical therapist. He loved to talk about his family and always had a smile on his face. I loved hearing the stories of his Air Force adventures and then details on all of his grandkids. Bob had such a sweet demeanor and I am so sad to hear of his passing. My heart goes out to the family, prayers for peace and comfort to you all!

~

Amanda Huckstep, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Friday, November 28, 2014

I have very fond memories of “Uncle Bob”. He was one of the sources of inspiration for my career in the military, and later in learning to fly both airplanes and helicopters. As a kid, I was fascinated as he showed me around the Air Force base and the aircraft that he flew. One time he flew an H-53 by our house while on a cross-country mission, which definitely got everyone's attention in the local area. In later years, he let me try my hand at “flying” the simulators at Flight Safety where he worked and taught. He was always upbeat and enthusiastic and it was apparent that he loved what he did, and loved his family. I am greatly saddened by his passing, but I will always remember him for his passion for flying as well as his enthusiasm and positive attitude he inspired.

~

Rick Schantz, Colonel, US Army Retired, Woodbridge, Virginia

Thursday, November 27, 2014

I feel blessed to have known Bob. Not only did he teach me to fly the H-53, but also gave me thorough instructions on doing a "Jolly Green Reunion" right. Too bad I couldn't keep up - after the second day I had to get some sleep. My condolences to the family, Bob will be missed by so many friends.

~

Mark Schibler, Creswell, Oregon

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Bob was the nicest kindest man I had the pleasure of knowing. With great sadness my heartfelt condolences to Bobs family and friends. Rest in peace.

~

Don & Lori Baker, Norton, Massachusetts

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Bob was an "early adopter" when it came to cars. At Vandenburg he had a Corvair sport coupe. When he gave me a ride in it his enthusiasm [for it] rubbed off on me and I thought, "I have to get one of these." Never did but his demo of the car was left quite an impression.... When I got off the airplane reporting in to Goose Bay he was my escort officer to show me around, get me checked into the BOQ, etc. I knew him before The Goose but I don't recall where. Luke maybe?

~

Tom Garcia, Orange Park, Florida

Monday, November 24, 2014

Another Jolly Green checking in - Bob was one of my favorite instructors with his common sense approach and his humor. May the Lord comfort and sustain you through this difficult time. God Bless!

~

Karl Bakke, Roseville, Minnesota

Monday, November 24, 2014

I'm deeply saddened by his passing. I'm one of the lucky ones that were rescued by the dangerous job that he and others like him performed. THANK YOU!!

~

Joe Saenz, Ventura, California

Sunday, November 23, 2014

I will so miss Mr. Rockel. He always had a story and a smile... I am very sorry for the loss. My sympathy to the family. He was a wonderful man.

~

Linda Tolan, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Bob and I were in the same class at Allentown High and we were friends. We renewed our friendship at AHS reunions. He was a fine fellow with a great disposition. May he Rest in Peace.

~

Franklin Billera, Greenbank, Washington

Saturday, November 22, 2014

A Great Man/ Pilot. Flew many times with him. He will be missed in the Helicopter community.

~

Rick Simmon, Mary Esther, Florida

Friday, November 21, 2014

Have known Lt. Col. "Bob" Rockel, it seems forever. When I came back to Hill AFB in 74 as a FE Instructor and subsequently a Simulator Instructor, how could you not be at home in the 1550th around the likes of Bob Rockel. He made everyone feel like they belonged. Saw him at the Jolly reunion 2 years ago. We went trekking off somewhere looking for an old H-53 Flight Engineer neither one of us had seen in 30 years. We never found him and 4 hours later we got back. Talk about the Blind leading the Blind. My sympathy goes out to the family. We WILL meet again.

~

John Adrian, Layton, Utah

Friday, November 21, 2014

I flew with Lt Col Rockel at Hill AFB as a FE performing Mid Air Retrieval in the 80's. He was one of the best, really enjoyed knowing he was "up front". My condolences to the family.

~

Ed Dangel, Clearfield, Utah

Friday, November 21, 2014

I knew Bob while we were stationed at Goose Bay, Labrador in 1959 flying H-21 helicopters in support of Early Warning Radar sites on the Labrador coast. I don’t recall ever seeing him after that although I may have ran across his name somewhere. Godspeed Bob.

~

Kyron Hall, Major, USAF retired, Historian USAF Helicopter Pilot Assn.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Bob was my son's Grandpa. He truly was the most Wonderful man! The best Dad, Granddad, friend. Such a shock that he is gone. He will be missed so much! My son Benjamin will carry on the Rockel name for his Grandpa. As Bob would say "Bye for Now". We love you Bob! Benjamin and Kathleen

~

Kathleen Barringer, Woodland Park, Colorado

Friday, November 21, 2014

I worked with Bob at Flight Safety until he retired. He was a kind and gentle man who loved his family, dogs, his toys (motorcycles, jeeps, etc.) and loved being an instructor. I always enjoyed listening to his stories. He will definitely be missed. My condolences go out to his family and friends.

~

Shannon Morgan, Grand Prairie, Texas

Friday, November 21, 2014

Bob Rockel , was a good friend and one of the best instructors I ever met , I will miss him .

~

Ricardo Schwartz, Plano, Texas

Friday, November 21, 2014

Rocky and I flew together at Hill AFB, UT in the early 80s. We were among a small number of H-53 Mid-Air Retrieval pilots. He was an outstanding pilot and a good friend. I know he will sorely missed.

~

Rich Blackwell, Prescott, Arizona

Friday, November 21, 2014

As many have stated, I also flew with Colonel Bob Rockel as a Flight Engineer from 67 to 72 and frequently saw him at the Carswell AFB BX after he retired. He was a class act and a great pilot.

~

John Mahoney, Burleson, Texas

Friday, November 21, 2014

I was very sad to learn of Bob's death. He taught me to fly the H-53 in 1969 and we worked together as instructors. I have many fond memories of our friendship. I always looked forward to seeing him at reunions. He was a great pilot and friend.

Wade Weeks

~

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Kim-I had the honor flying with your dad-we called him "Rocky". He always had a smile and I never heard him say anything bad about anyone. God bless you.

Tom Waldron, USAF,Jolly Green-69-71

~

Tom Waldron, Sun Lakes, Arizona

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Kim and family so sorry to hear of your Father's passing we always looked forward to seeing Bobby when he would come home to Pa. ( I always liked to hear his Air Force stories)

Ed Rockel jr. Ed & Helen Rockel Sr.

~

Edward Rockel, Catasauqua, Pennsylvania

"FREEDOM ISN'T FREE"

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