Obituary of Theron David Rockhill

Theron David “Rocky” Rockhill, Tucson, AZ, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2023 surrounded by loved ones. He was 86.

Rocky was born on February 9, 1937, to Kenneth and Leota Rockhill in Moira, NY. He was a 1955 graduate of Moira High School. During high school, he worked on his family’s dairy farm and played sports year round. He earned a master’s degree from Syracuse University in 1963 and a PhD from SUNY Buffalo in 1969. Theron started teaching at SUNY Brockport in 1963 and retired in 1996. He served stints as Chairman of the Math and Computer Science Department as well as President of the New York State Math Teachers’ Association. He also ran National Science Foundation summer institutes for math teachers and authored a Pre-Calculus book.

Rocky met his wife, Claribel, at Houghton College. They were married on December 30, 1959 and would have celebrated their 66^th wedding anniversary this year.

Rocky was a loving and involved husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed many summer vacations camping and hiking in national parks and forests with his family. They also spent time together in the Adirondack Mountains in New York, hiking and cross-country skiing. He put his analytical skills to work restoring an Adirondack lake home that was built in the late 1800s. This home is one of his many legacies which will be enjoyed by family and friends for generations to come.

Theron loved music and sports. Even though he could not carry a tune, he enthusiastically supported his daughters’ musical pursuits. He lovingly listened to early morning practice sessions, drove his girls to weekly music lessons and orchestra practices and never missed a concert. Rocky also likely attended every one of his daughters’ swim meets and tennis matches, including college matches all over the state of Pennsylvania. Rocky played basketball, baseball and football in high school and college. Later in life he loved racquetball, volleyball, tennis, hiking and cycling. His love of an active lifestyle was what brought he and Claribel to Tucson where they could enjoy their favorite sports year round.

Rocky was predeceased by his brother Philip Rockhill and a grandson, Patrick Theron Degenhardt. He is survived by his wife, his daughters Cheryl Rockhill Degenhardt (Sheldon) and Rebecca Rockhill Harkin, three grandchildren, Adam Degenhardt, Olivia Harkin and Evan Harkin, two brothers, Doren Rockhill (MaryKay) and Kevin Rockhill and many nieces and nephews.

Throughout his life Theron was an active participant in church life and community service, including Habitat for Humanity, Casa Maria, and may other charitable organizations. A memorial service is planned for the Spring of 2024 at St. John on the Desert. Donations may be made in his honor to St. John on the Desert or Gentiva Hospice, both of Tucson, AZ.