James Elliott Rockwell

James Elliott Rockwell, 71, of Narragansett, Rhode Island, passed away on Monday, March 18, 2024 after a valiant battle with bladder cancer. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on December 6, 1952, he was the eldest child of 5 children of Regina (Letrick) and the late John J. Rockwell.

Jim was raised in West Brownsville, PA. Known to his mom as “Jimmy,” and to many friends as “Rocky,” he graduated from the Brownsville Area High School in Brownsville, PA in 1971. In 1976, Jim moved to Rhode Island and made it his home.

A machinist by trade, Jim was employed at Brown & Sharpe and Electric Boat, in the late 1970’s. Since 1980, Jim worked as a terminal operator for Sun Oil Company, Texaco Oil Company, Shell Oil Company and Motiva Enterprises LLC, for 39 years, collectively.

Jim was an avid fisherman, gardener, and tinkerer. He loved learning new computer skills, working on car engines, and being at the beach. He took great pride in his home at the beach which kept him busy making improvements. Jim loved to travel when he could and visiting New Zealand was a highlight of his travels. He loved his time spent with his children, grandchildren, siblings, mother, and his beloved cat Goldie. 

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his four children Angel Fontaine (Ray) of Derry, NH, Janel Rockwell of Carolina, RI, James Cedric Rockwell of Pawtucket, RI, Justin Rockwell (Angela) of Glenn Dale, MD; his former wife, Dr. Alicia Storey of Carolina, RI; his six grandchildren:Trent Rockwell and his fiancé Nikkee Valliere, Trinity Wilk, Elizabeth Fontaine, Samuel Fontaine, Alexander Rockwell and Avery Rockwell; four siblings Kathleen Rockwell of West Brownsville, PA, Dr. Theodore Rockwell (Julie) of Clarion, PA, Lawrence Rockwell (Amy VanDivner) of West Brownsville, PA, and Nancy Rockwell (Matt Wasko) of West Brownsville, PA; 18 nieces and nephews, including the locally residing Lawrence “Rocky” Rockwell (Brigette Koreny), Lauren Rockwell (Jack Urso), Dakota Parocai (Zac), Derek Staley (Erin Scott), and great-nephews Arlo and Ezra Staley; along with local cousins: Bill Rockwell, Peter “Danny” Horvath (Carol), and Lynn Anne Letrick; and many friends including life-long friends John Sabo and Mark Long.

A mass of Christian burial was held on Monday, March 25, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Star of the Sea, Narragansett, RI. Calling hours were from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.prior to the mass at Avery Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield, RI 02879. Interment will be held in PA where relatives and friends are invited for a visitation and service at 11am on Monday, April 1, 2024 at the Novak-Melenyzer Funeral Home, 515 Front St, Brownsville, PA 15417 followed by a procession to Lafayette Memorial Park, 132 Twin Hills Rd, Brier Hill, PA 15415 for burial. 

The family would like to thank the staff, nurses and physicians at South County Hospital, Wakefield, RI, for the care they provided to Jim over the last year. 

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