Lt. Colonel Edward J. Rochford Jr., 80, United States Marine Corps.-Retired, of Lutz, FL died on January 4, 2009 at the Bay Pines VA Medical Center, Bay Pines, FL from natural causes. A native of Yonkers, NY and a local resident since 1973, when he retired from the United States Marine Corps. Lt. Colonel Rochford was a Veteran of World War II, Korean War and the Vietnam War and he was awarded a Purple Heart Medal with Gold Star; Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Stars; Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star; Combat Action Ribbon; Legion of Merit; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm; Vietnam Campaign Medal; National Defense Service Medal with one Star; United National Service Medal; World War II Victory Medal; Occupational Medal; Presidential Unit Citation and the Korean Service Medal. After his retirement, he and his wife volunteered at the US Coast Guard Auxiliary in St. Petersburg, FL and they attended All Saints Lutheran Church in Lutz, FL. Lt. Colonel Rochford was a graduate of Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York with a degree in Business Administration and the University of South Florida with a degree in Criminal Justice. His military education includes Special Weapons Orientation Course; Guided Missile Orientation Course; Philippines Warfare Planning Course; Airborne Terrain Appreciations Course; Tactics in Marine Rifle; History of Strategy; Air Command and Staff Officer Course; DOD Computer Institute Command and Control School and the Chemical, Nuclear and Biological School. Lt. Col, Edward J. Rochford Jr. is survived by his wife; Theresa S. Rochford of Lutz, FL; two sons; Ned Rochford of South Haven, MI and Richard Schmidt of Buford, GA; three daughters; Judi Weaver and her husband, Dan of Atwater, OH; Susan Mosier and her husband, Mel of Dumfries, VA and Lynn Headley and her husband Ken of Birmingham, AL; eight grandchildren: Jason, Bryon, Catherine, Phillip, Danielle, Erika, Shelby and Joshua and three great-grandchildren; Tyler, Tristan and Andrew. Graveside services are 10:00 AM, Saturday Morning, January 10, 2009 at the Bay Pines Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd.; Bay Pines, FL 33504 with Reverend Rick Malivuk and the United States Marine Corps. Honor Guard and the US Coast Guard Honor Guard, officiating.
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Lt. Col. Edward Rochford Jr.-USMC
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Ed: Wishing you calm seas and a horizon filled with Glory. You are a great man, a great patriot, and a great American!
We were very sorry to read of Ed’s obituary in today’s paper. We will always cherish the pleasant memories of when we lived across the street in Bay Crest. You were our first friends in Tampa. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I feel very fortunate to have met Mr. Rochford and Theresa at Bay Pines. Mr. Rochford was a wonderful person. My prayers are with you, Theresa, and family at this time. Semper Fi.
I’m sorry to hear about “Grandpa” Rochford’s death. Even though we weren’t family for very long, I really enjoyed listening to the stories about his life. He will be missed.
I was very saddened to see that Ed had passed away. I always had great respect for him, and the girls still talk about Grandpa Ed and Theresa taking them out to dinner at the Outback. My prayers go out to you.
On behalf of me and my sisters, thanks for signing the guestbook.
Ned
Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers..Judi, Ned and Sue.
I happened across this obituary while viewing one of a friend.
Where do we find such men? He, and others like him, make this the greatest nation on Earth. How very proud the family must be!
Semper Fidelis
A truly inspirational man, my brother-in-law, Ed, played a very large role at times in my life. I shall always be thankful to have had his infulence since I was 14 years old. He will be sorely missed.
Ed Rochford was a wonderful uncle to Cynthia and a Great Uncle to Mackenzie. I have 42 years of wonderful memories I will keep you alive in my heart until we meet again. We will all miss you. Love Cyndee
I am so thankful to see all the kind words that have been said about my dad. It brings tears to my eyes every time I come to this site and see his picture. He will be greatly missed.