John A. Rocks, 70

September 15, 2013

John A. Rocks, 70, of Lititz, passed away Sunday, September 15, 2013 at Lancaster General Hospital, as a result of complications from surgery.
John was born in Manhattan, New York to the late Patrick and Edith Rocks , he was the husband of Joyce Meleski with whom he celebrated 42 years of marriage this past May 29th.
He was a graduate of the Fordham Preparatory School in the Bronx and received a Bachelor of Science degree from Manhattan College in 1965. He later received a Masters of Social Work degree from Fordham University.
Before moving to Lancaster County in 2005, John spent his entire 40 year professional career in child welfare with the Catholic Archdiocese of New York. He started as a relief counselor and retired from the New York Foundling Hospital St. Agatha Home where he served as Assistant Director.
John followed the New York Yankees baseball and Giants football teams but his real passion was in playing golf. A real student of the game, John played as often as he could and freely helped others improve their golfing skills, including his wife who shared his passion for the game. Together they enjoyed many memorable hours on the beautiful golf courses of Lancaster County. Neighbors would occasionally see John practicing his golf swing in the back yard.
John thoroughly enjoyed conversation and could be counted on for his lively and challenging input. His wit and quick mind often resulted in spontaneous quips and humorous remarks.
In addition to his wife Joyce, he is survived by a sister, Elizabeth Rocks of Patterson, NY, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Edith Donnely and Bernadette Broshinski and three brothers Patrick, Thomas and Brendan Rocks.
Relatives and friends will be received on Saturday, September 21, 2013 from 10 to 11am at St. James Catholic Church, 505 Woodcrest Ave. Lititz, Pa. 17543 with a mass of Christian burial to follow at 11am. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials in John’s name may be made to a charity of your choosing.