Robert Wilbur Rockwell

Robert Wilbur Rockwell, 84, of Troy, Pennsylvania, passed away on March 8, 2026 at his son’s home in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, with his son Wayne and daughter-in-law Jenny by his side.

Born on June 14, 1941 in Troy, Bob was the son of James Arthur Rockwell and Sara Ada Stauffer Rockwell. Becoming deaf at age eleven proved a pivotal moment in his life. Supported by his teacher Miss Newell, he attended the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, graduating early before returning to Troy High School to graduate with his class. He went on to earn a degree in physics from Gallaudet University in Washington, DC, where he met his wife, Beatrice. They graduated and married on the same day and shared 51 years of marriage. Bob later received a Master of Computer Science degree from the University of Maryland.

Bob worked as a computer programmer for the NSA, Keane, and the DEA. He and Bea raised their sons in Glen Burnie, Maryland, where they were active members of Calvary Baptist Church. Upon retirement, they returned to Troy to be near family. At age twelve, Bob had accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior through the ministry of a Child Evangelism Fellowship worker. He and Bea served faithfully at Calvary, where Bob served as an AWANA leader and deacon. Together they taught deaf children in Sunday School and led the church’s deaf ministry, becoming trusted friends and spiritual mentors to many in the deaf community.

Bob cherished time with family, especially hosting gatherings at his home in Troy, including the annual Memorial Day events. He and Bea traveled extensively to celebrate with loved ones. He found joy in woodworking, baking cheesecake and fudge, photography, and genealogy, and he was a steadfast supporter of Bea in all her endeavors. His cheerfulness, gentleness, sense of humor, generosity, strong work ethic, persistence, and determination inspired everyone who knew him. He is remembered with love and gratitude by all whose lives he touched.

Bob is survived by his brothers Jim Rockwell and Phil Rockwell (Can Sarratt), brother-in-law Doug Greer, sister-in-law Eleanor Armstrong, his son Wayne (Jenny) Rockwell, his son James (Nosoe) Messineo, his grandchildren Jay (Ivy) Messineo, Annah (Justin) Bartz, Tim (Brittany) Rockwell, Jordan (Michelle) Rockwell, Dylan Rockwell, Emily (Luke) Pallo, Austin Rockwell, Ryan Rockwell, Megan Rockwell, Ethan Rockwell, Ella Rockwell, his great-grandchildren Natalia, Tripp, Jessica, Dallas, Isabella, Adelynn, Reagan, Zane, and Keon, and many dear cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beatrice Justina Armstrong Rockwell, his parents, his sisters Jane Guinan and Martha Greer, his sisters-in-law Euleta Rockwell and Peg Rockwell, and many brothers and sisters-in-law on the Armstrong side.