Rev. Dennis J. Rocheford

NORTH OXFORD, MA: Rev. Dennis J. Rocheford, 60, pastor of St. Ann Parish in North Oxford, and a Chaplain/Commander in the United States Navy Reserve, died Thursday, September 10, 2009. He was born July 9, 1949 in South Weymouth, MA, son of the late Clarence L. and Helen L. (Blair) Rocheford. He leaves 6 brothers and sisters, Paul B. Rocheford of Ft. Myers, FL, Mark C. Rocheford of Pompano Beach, FL, Joan K. Katinas of Rutland, MA, Neal C. Rocheford and his wife Lucille of Cherry Valley, MA, Diane M. Franklin and her husband Dennis of Chenoa, IL, Kathleen F. Leone of Worcester, MA; 15 nieces and nephews including his nephew David J. Katinas of Rutland, MA, with whom he was very close. He also leaves many grandnieces and grandnephews. In 1967, after his graduation from Worcesterâs South High School, he joined the Marine Corps and served for 3 years, including 13 months in Vietnam. He received 2 Purple Heart medals and was awarded a Bronze Star for gallantry in action. After returning from Vietnam, he attended Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester and earned a bachelorâs degree from University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He studied for the priesthood at St. Johnâs Seminary in Brighton and was ordained a priest by Bishop Bernard J. Flanagan at St. Paulâs Cathedral on June 18, 1977. He later joined the Naval Chaplain Corps serving in numerous military campaigns including Operation Iraqi Enduring Freedom. Fr. Dennis began his service to the Diocese of Worcester at St. Camillus de Lellis Parish in Fitchburg, MA. His other assignments include Sacred Heart Parish in Hopedale, St. Joan of Arc Parish in Worcester and St. John the Evangelist Parish in Clinton. In 2002 he was named Pastor of St. Theresa Parish in Blackstone where he served until 2008, when he was assigned Catholic Pastor for the Chapel of Hope at the Newport, RI Navy Base. He was named Pastor of St. Ann Parish in North Oxford on July 1, 2009. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. CALLING HOURS will be held at ST. PAULâS CATHEDRAL, 15 Chatham St. , in Worcester on WEDNESDAY, Sept. 16, from 2 to 7 P. M. , followed by a WAKE SERVICE at 7 P. M. A CONCELEBRATED FUNERAL MASS will be held at 11 A. M. on THURSDAY, Sept. 17, in the CATHEDRAL. Most Reverend Robert J. McManus will be the principal celebrant. Burial will follow in the Clergy Section of St. Johnâs Cemetery, Worcester. The family suggests donations in memory of Fr. Dennis be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 7020 AC Skinner Pkwy, Suite 100, Jacksonville, FL 32256. www. woundedwarriorproject. org Kelly Funeral Home, 154 Lincoln St. , Worcester, is assisting the family with arrangements. Please leave messages of condolence, share your thoughts, stories and memories of Fr. Dennis on-line at www. kellyfuneralhome. com