Donald James Rockafellow

Donald J. Rockafellow, 86, of Chardon Township, died April 28, 2008, at his home.Born July 15, 1921, in Grand River, he had lived in Grand River and Mentor Headlands before moving to Chardon 51 years ago.He was a U. S. Navy veteran, serving aboard the USS Manila Bay (CVE 61) as a Water Tender First Class, in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater during World War II. He was a member of The Church of St. Mary in Chardon, was previously a Boy Scout leader for Troop 64, St. Mary’s in Painesville and founder of the Little Mountain Riders 4-H Club in Geauga County. He was a member of the Penn-Ohio Pony Racing Association and an avid horse and pony lover. He was also a member of the Chardon V.F.W. Post 6519 in Chardon, OH.Mr. Rockafellow worked as a carpentry contractor and owner of Rockafellow Builders for 37 years, retiring in 1983. He was known for building many homes throughout Geauga and surrounding counties.Survivors are his wife, Alyce Marie (Werbeach) Rockafellow, whom he married July 18, 1942, in Painesville; daughters, Loretta (Arbin) Vaughn of Chardon and Denise Bliley of Jefferson; sons, Donald James (Sandra) Rockafellow Jr. of Chardon, Timothy (Christine) Rockafellow of Smithville, Texas, Christopher Rockafellow of Chardon and Mark (Deborah) Rockafellow of Hambden Township; 14 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his parents, Delmar and Minnie (Richardson) Rockafellow; sisters, Elsie Miller, Viola Ostrow and Lilah Coco Cammerota; and brothers, Ford and Elmer Rockafellow.The Rev. Thomas Behrend of the church will officiate the service. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in Painesville.Email to a friendPost