Robert Wilbur Rockwell

Robert Wilbur Rockwell, 84, of Troy, PA, went Home to be with the Lord Jesus on Sunday, March 8, 2026 from his son’s home in Fitchburg (Madison), Wisconsin, with his son (Wayne) and daughter-in-law (Jenny) by his side.

Bob was born June 14, 1941 (Flag Day) in Troy, PA, son of James Arthur Rockwell and Sara Ada (Stauffer) Rockwell. He lived a remarkable and blessed life.

A significant and turning point in Bob’s life was becoming deaf at age 11. His teacher, Miss Newell, was a great help to him during this year of trauma and transition. He then attended and graduated (early) from the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf and returned to Troy High School and graduated on time with his class. He graduated from Gallaudet University in Washington DC, where he majored in physics and met his wife, Bea. They graduated and married on the same day. They were married for 51 years. Bob also earned a Master of Computer Science degree from the University of Maryland.

Bob’s career was spent as a computer programmer for NSA, Keane, and the DEA. He and Bea lived in Glen Burnie, MD for most of their married life and reared their sons there, attending Calvary Baptist Church. When he retired, they relocated to Troy to be close to his siblings and cousins.

At age 12, Bob accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior through the personal ministry of a CEF (Child Evangelism Fellowship) missionary. He and Bea served faithfully at Calvary Baptist for many years. Bob served as an AWANA leader and as a deacon. He and Bea taught deaf children in Sunday School and were the center of Calvary’s deaf ministry. Many in the deaf community looked to them for friendship and spiritual influence.

Bob loved living in Troy and hosting family events, especially the Memorial Day gatherings each year. He and Bea traveled many miles to attend family events and celebrate those they loved. He had many interests and hobbies – woodworking, baking (cheesecake & fudge), photography, and genealogy to name a few. He also supported Bea in all her relational and creative endeavors. Bob’s cheerfulness, gentleness, sense of humor, generosity, work ethic, persistence, and determination were an inspiration to many, in spite of and through his deafness. We all miss him but find great comfort knowing where he is and Who he is with, and that we will see him again.

Bob is survived by his brothers, Jim Rockwell and Phil Rockwell (Can Sarratt), brother-in-law Doug Greer, sister-in-law Eleanor Armstrong, his son Wayne (Jenny) Rockwell, his son James (Nosoe) Messineo, his grandchildren Jay (Ivy) Messineo, Annah (Justin) Bartz, Tim (Brittany) Rockwell, Jordan (Michelle) Rockwell, Dylan Rockwell, Emily (Luke) Pallo, Austin Rockwell, Ryan Rockwell, Megan Rockwell, Ethan Rockwell, Ella Rockwell, his great-grandchildren Tripp, Jessica, Dallas, Adelynn, Reagan, Zane, and Keon, and all of his dear cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beatrice Justina (Armstrong) Rockwell, his parents, his sisters Jane Guinan and Martha (Doug) Greer, his sisters-in-law Euleta (Phil) Rockwell and Peg (James) Rockwell, and many brothers and sisters-in-law on the Armstrong side.

Special thanks are expressed to Drumlin Reserve (formerly Aster) Assisted Living in Cottage Grove, WI, where Bob lived for almost 10 years; to Agrace Hospice for their support and care in his final months; to Hazel Watkins (and family) for keeping watch over Bob’s home; to Dick Kilcup for his friendship and interpreting in church; to Jenny Rockwell for her daily, selfless loving care in his final months in her home; and to the Lord Jesus who gave Bob life and saved him, blessed us all with him, prepared a place for him, and finally called him Home.

Family and friends are invited to call from 12:00-1:00pm Saturday, March 21, 2026 at the Gerald W. Vickery, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc 1093 West Main Street, Troy, PA. The memorial service to honor Bob’s life will be held at the conclusion of the visitation at 1:00pm at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Bradford County Memorial Park, Towanda, PA. A private, family service will also be held Sunday, March 29, 2026 in Madison, WI.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Madison chapter of Child Evangelism Fellowship. https://www.cefmadisonwi.com/donate/index.html