Joseph C. “Joe” Rockey, 76, of Bellefonte, passed away suddenly at his home on Friday, October 27, 2024. Born on February 18, 1948, in Bellefonte, he was the son of the late Christian Roy and Sara E. (McKinley) Rockey. On March 4, 1972, in Howard, he married Kathy M. Corman. Kathy passed away on March 8, 2024.
Joe was a 1966 graduate of Bellefonte Area High School. He enlisted in the US Marine Corp on January 15, 1968. He earned the rank of Sgt, received the National Defense Service Medal and the Rifle Marksman Badge before receiving his honorable discharge on January 12, 1971. He finished his service time in the Marine Corps Reserves and was released from duty on January 24, 1974.
Upon returning home from the Marine Corps, Joe went to work at Graymont in Pleasant Gap. He worked in the mines and retired in 2018 after 46 years of service.
Joe was extremely proud of his military service. He was a proud member of the Marine Corps League and was a huge supporter of Toys for Tots. He worked tirelessly to do all he could to provide a good Christmas for those less fortunate.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being outdoors. He was an avid muscle car kind of guy, attending numerous car shows and making model cars. He liked to take “road trips”, shopping, classic rock music, classic country music, and watching western movies, especially John Wayne, on TV. He was the “salt of the earth” kind of guy that would do anything for anyone.
Though Joe had a lot of interest in his life, nothing took the place of his family. His greatest pleasure was being “Pap”.
Joe is survived by his son, Jeffrey S. Rockey and his wife, Carol, of Bellefonte and two grandchildren: Sara E. Rockey and her fiancé, John Harshbarger, of Albrightsville, PA and Zachary T. Rockey of Bellefonte. He is also survived by three brothers: Gray Rockey of Bellefonte, William Rockey and his wife, Sandy, of Spring Mills, and Robert Rockey and his wife, Edie, of Lock Haven; one sister, Leathia McKinley and her husband, “Bud”, of Runville; brother in-law, Donald Smith, and brother in-law, Charles Bennett. He absolutely adored his many nieces and nephews and cherished being a part of their lives and watching them grow.
Along with his parents and wife, Joe was preceded in death by one brother, Kermit Rockey and three sisters: Mary Bennett, Phyllis Robinson and her husband, James Robinson, and Betty Smith.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 11am – 1pm at the Daughenbaugh Funeral Home in Milesburg. Memorial service will follow with Pastor Diane Kinley officiating.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc in Milesburg, PA. An online guest book can be signed, or you may post your condolences to the family at www.daughenbaughfuneralhome.com