Gary E. "Rocky" Rockwell

Gary Edmund “Rocky” Rockwell of Oakville, Pennsylvania, died August 14, 2026, at the age of 91.

Rocky was born on January 9, 1935, to Orley and Pauline (Salter) Rockwell, and raised on the family farm in Woodbine, Iowa. After graduating high school in 1953, during the Korean War, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an aviation machinist mate, jet engine mechanic with Attack Squadron Twelve. This opened the door for him to be involved in the Navy’s transition from prop to jet planes, which also led to being assigned as an engineering mechanic and plane captain for the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, 1959-1961. During his career, Rocky deployed on different carriers in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Mediterranean, including the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt and USS Saratoga, which allowed him to travel the world. He eventually became a recruiter in Baltimore, Maryland, where he met the love of his life, Sarah Alice Brown. Rocky later completed his military service as a member of the Air Force National Guard as a Technical Sargent in the 193rd Civil Engineer Squadron. He was awarded a number of commendations in both the Navy and Air Force. He transitioned his military skills to civilian life as a millwright and industrial engineer at Ralston Purina, Carlisle Tire and Rubber, and Ross Stores.

Rocky and Alice, who passed in 2024, raised four children together: Ruth Cunningham (Darryl), Gary H. Rockwell (Beverly), Susan Rockwell, and, Karen Rockwell. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Ryan Yohn (Sara), Matthew Yohn, Kevin Yohn (Kelly), Danielle Porter (Ethan), and Heather Kuzma (Justin). Also, by his great-grandchildren: Isaiah Yohn, Mia Yohn, Ava Yohn, Madison Yohn, Savanah Yohn, McKenzie Yohn, Olivia Kuzma, Kaiden Kuzma, Caroline Yohn, Caleb Porter, Cameron Yohn, Charlee Kuzma, Abigail Porter, and Knight Kuzma.

Rocky is also survived by two of his six siblings, Dorthy Hammack (Dencil), and John Rockwell (Nancy).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wounded Warriors, Tunnel to Towers, or any group supporting Veterans to help other military survivors and their families.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc., Shippensburg. Per Gary’s request, there will be no public services.