It is with great sadness that the family of Ronald Craig “Rocky” Rockwell announces his passing on Thursday, January 3, 2019, at the age of 70 years. He was at home, surrounded by his family.

Ronald, a lifelong resident of Martinsburg, WV, was born on March 3, 1948. He was the son of the late Harry William Rockwell and Virginia Knipe Rockwell.

He will be lovingly remembered by Vicki, his wife of 47 years, and his four children Jason Rockwell, Andrew Rockwell, Sara Rockwell White, and her husband Michael, and Maggie Rockwell and her husband Justin Tobin. Ronald will also be fondly remembered by his three grandchildren, Aiden White, Hadley White and Zachory Tobin, along with his sister Vickie Kave and nieces, Amy Pulse and Laura Shrader. Ron was preceded in death by his brother Marc Rockwell.

Ron was a 1966 graduate of Martinsburg High School and a 1971 graduate of Shepherd College with a Bachelor of Science in Business. While at Shepherd, he was an active member of the Delta Sigma Pi fraternity, where he formed friendships with fellow brothers that would last his entire life.

From the tender age of 9, Ron was actively involved in the family business, Rockwell’s Office Supplies. He went on to serve multiple roles within the organization, culminating as President from 1985 until the business closed in 2003.

He was civic-minded and served on the board of many local organizations including Martinsburg County Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Martinsburg Association, Main Street Martinsburg, and the Boarman Arts Association.

Ron also served on the board of directors of The Apollo Civic Theatre and was its vice president from 2001-2006. He enjoyed participating in many theatrical productions including the role of Ben Franklin in 1776. Ron’s big ‘Hollywood’ break came in 1985 when he starred as an extra in the movie Sweet Dreams, about the life of singer Patsy Cline, that was filmed locally.

Ron never met a dessert he didn’t like and he loved his daily trips to the Queen Street 7-11. He also never met a stranger; he loved people and could strike up a conversation with anyone at any time for any reason.
Ron enjoyed traveling and loved learning about the history and culture of the many countries he visited. Some of his most treasured trips included journeys to Egypt, Italy and England. Always a kid at heart, Ron also enjoyed his annual trips to Ocean City, Maryland, specifically, spending time at Marty’s Playland Arcade.

We will gather to celebrate Ron’s life on Monday, January 7, 2019 at the Martinsburg Holiday Inn. The family will receive friends and relatives at 11am, followed by a service at noon and a Celebration of Life luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Apollo Civic Theatre, 128 East Martin Street, Martinsburg, WV, 25401, or online at www.apollocivictheatre.org

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