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ERNEST JOSEPH ROCKWELL
Oct. 7, 1939 – July 31, 2022
Ernest Rockwell obit pic

Ernest Joe Rockwell “Rocky” passed away peacefully on July 31, 2022 at the age of 82 in Oakdale. Joe was born on October 7, 1939 in Kansas City, Kansas to parents Ernest and Alma Rockwell. He grew up in Holden, Missouri before enlisting in the US Navy. After serving three years, Joe moved to California where he met and fell in love with Ysabel Manley. After they married, Joe went to work driving a bus for the AC Transit, Oakland while getting his BA degree from Cal State Hayward. In 1979, Joe moved his family to Waterford where he started a successful upholstery business. Joe was very involved within the Waterford community, serving on city council and two terms as the Waterford Mayor. Joe also had a love for teaching. He taught at a Turlock adult school and at the Stanislaus Juvenile Hall for over 20 years. Into his retirement, Joe settled in Oakdale, where he became an active member of the Oakdale Golf and Country Club. He had a love for motorcycles and enjoyed sailing. His grandchildren meant the world to him, he wouldn’t miss an opportunity to spend time and share his jokes with his family. Joe will be remembered for his unending generosity, extraordinary kindness and his ability to tell the best stories.  He truly was “one of a kind”.

Rocky leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Ysabel Rockwell, his children, Lance Rockwell (Alicia) and Amanda Tamo (Jim), his grandchildren, Piper Rockwell, Nolan Rockwell, Ava Tamo, Lily Tamo and Quinn Tamo. Rocky also leaves behind his siblings, Mary Dimit, Paul Rockwell and Pat Rockwell.

Deegan Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Rockwell family. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s name may be made to your favorite charity.

The Escalon (Calif.) Times

Aug. 10, 2022