Everett A. “Rocky” Rockwood, Jr.,88, of Walpole died January 5, in the Kindred Hospital Specialty, Northeast, in Stoughton. He was the husband of Jane M. (Maker) Rockwood.
Born in Somerville, Mass, November 21, 1924, the son of Everett A. and Julia (Dailey) Rockwood, Mr. Rockwood had lived for most of his life in Walpole.
He was a graduate of Walpole High School.
Mr. Rockwood had operated Rocky’s Newsstand and Sandwich Shop in East Walpole, a beloved meeting place for East Walpole residents for many years.
Rocky served in the Army during World War II. He was a member of the 29th Infantry Division, 115th Infantry.
He saw action at Normandy and in Northern France. He received severe wounds from mortar shells. His quick wit and infectious smile helped with his long recovery.
He was awarded the Purple Heart, two bronze battle stars, the bronze medal and the expert infantry combat badge.
A longtime member of the Walpole VFW and its past Commander, he was an integral part of the Memorial Day parades and Veterans Days parades every year. He was truly one of the greatest generation.
Rocky enjoyed gardening, bowling, watching sports and having coffee with his friends at McDonalds, where he was known as the “Mayor”.
In addition to his wife he is survived by his children Jeffrey Rockwood of Middleton, Mass, and Linda Rockwood of Walpole.
His also survived by his daughter-in-law Patricia Connolly of Walpole.
He was the father of the late James and Wayne Rockwood.
He is also survived by his siblings Marjorie Rockwood of Sun City, Fla., Norma Stewart Sarasota, of Fla., Gertrude Bedard of Norton and Leo Rockwood of Centerville.
He was the brother of the late Lawrence Rockwood and Edna Shore.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Paul, Michael, Lisa, David, Molly and Casey.
His funeral will be held on Thursday January 10 from the Ginley Funeral Home, 892 Main Street in Walpole at 9:15 followed by a funeral Mass in Blessed Sacrament Church at 10:00.
Burial with full military honors will be in St. Francis Cemetery, South Walpole.
Visiting hours will be on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the Walpole VFW, 108, Robbins Road, Walpole, MA 02081.