Joseph Rockwell Obituary

Joseph E. Rockwell

Joseph Ernst Rockwell of Newville, Pa. died Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Green Ridge Village at the age of 95. He was born in Mercersburg, Pa. on August 25, 1929 son of the late Charles E. Rockwell and Ora (Ernst) Rockwell.

Graduating from Mercersburg High School in 1947, he went on to graduate from Findlay College in Ohio, and Teachers College, Columbia University in New York City.

After 33 years he retired from the Board of Education of Washington County, Md. During his career, he was an elementary school teacher, a teaching principal, and a supervisor of elementary schools. He later worked as an Adjunct Professor for Shippensburg University supervising student teachers.

He served with the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.

A Mercersburg native, he served on Borough Council, was active in numerous community affairs, the Mercersburg Area Community Chorus, and St. John's Lutheran Church.

In Newville, he participated in community activities and was an active member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church.

He enjoyed his family, gardening, music, and traveling.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Joanne Hamilton Rockwell. He is survived by a daughter, Julia Hair (Alan) of Hummelstown, Pa.; a son, Charles Rockwell (Beth) of Boonsboro, Md.; two grandchildren, Rebecca Crawshaw (Ben) and Jacob Rockwell; two great-granddaughters, Rachael and Olivia Crawshaw.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 24 at 10 a.m. with a memorial service at 11 a.m. at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 51 West Main St, Newville, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Newville, PA or Mercersburg Area Community Chorus.

Arrangements by Fries Funeral Home Inc., Mercersburg, Pa.