William C. Rochford Obituary
William Cornelius Rochford, 93, of Magnolia, husband of Arlene M. (Caminiti) Rochford passed away, in his sleep, on Sunday, October 20, 2024.
He was born in Brighton, MA on July 11, 1931, son of the late Patrick and Ellen (Linehan) Rochford, both from Ireland.
William (Bill) was a graduate of Saint Columbkille High School. After serving in the Army and reaching the rank of Sergeant, he went on to receive his bachelor's degree from Boston College.
Bill started off his work life in the fence business, Rochford Fence. Later when his teenage boys needed jobs, he dusted off the diggers and Rochford & Sons Fence was born. Bill began his social work career working for the division of the blind in New Bedford, where he built strong relationships with his clients and discovered his passion that would last a lifetime, helping people. A couple years later, he started his career at Action Inc in Gloucester. A few months later, in August of 1968, he moved his young family of 8, from Brighton, MA to the village of Magnolia. Of the 47 years he served his community with Action, he was Executive Director for 44+ of those years. Bill was a fierce advocate for the poor, the elderly and anyone who could use a helping hand. Under his stewardship, many of the services are still in existence today that Bill help create and mature with his talented team.To name a few of these services; CATA, Action Shelter, Council on Aging, Fishermen's Wives Association, Action Energy, Homemaker's program, Compass Youth Educational Program, Food Assistance and many more. It's only fitting that upon his retirement at the age of 78, the Action headquarters at 180 Main Street was named after him, The William C. Rochford Building.
As successful Bill was with serving the community that he loved, he was even more successful leading and loving his wife, 6 children and 16 grandchildren. To say he will be missed by his family would be a huge understatement. Bill was the first we went to share news with, seek guidance/wisdom, support and feel his sincere loving hug. Bill loved to bring his family camping in the white mountains where we could enjoy each other and tell stories. He loved weekends away with Arlene at Loon Mountain resort. Tailgating anywhere, hikes in the woods with family, holidays with the extended family, Maine, cooking incredible dishes and fantastic deserts such as his apple Pies or cream puffs, were just a few things that made him happy. Bill was our unwavering loyal leader of the Rochford family. If one of his children had an interest in something, he developed an interest in it. He wanted to be a part of your life and share in your experiences. To be there to celebrate your wins and help you deal with your losses. According to him, his daughters could of all been models, and his wife was already one. We loved him so much and although he lived a long, wonderful life, somehow it still feels far too short. There were so many plans for the future.
Arlene was the love of his life, and he was unapologetic in showing his love to her. Their storybook marriage would last for 65 years. It was wonderful to witness how they truly cared for each other. They would be the couple that was holding hands walking Magnolia beach at sunset or taking in the spectacular surf on Shore Road during a Northeaster. They were the couple that lovingly embraced each other on the dance floor, even if that dance floor was their kitchen. They made sure their living room chairs were positioned close enough to each other that they could hold hands. Daily, either or both of one of them would find a love letter with details of how they look forward to spending the day together and what adventures they would have.
Having dual citizenship, American & Ireland, was a proud topic for Bill. Every Saturday you could see him working on his home, while playing loudly on his AM radio "The Irish Hour", which was actually 8hrs of continuous Irish ballads.
William is survived by his wife of 65 years, Arlene M. Rochford; daughters, Ellen Rochford Petrilli and late husband, Tony, Dawn MacBurnie and her husband Jeff, Kimberly and Ken Ventimiglia, Kristen Shaw and her husband David; sons, William C. Rochford Jr., and his wife Paige, Matthew Rochford and his wife Sari; grandchildren, Cassandra, Joseph and Tony, Bailey Shawn, Cole and Lucas, Avery, Rylee, Ruby and Parker, Trey and Kailae, Colby, Bryce and Dylan; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends.
He was predeceased by his parents and 2 brothers, John, and Daniel Rochford.
Visiting hours in the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester will be held on Tuesday, October 29, from 4 to 7 p.m. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church on Wednesday, October 30, at 12noon followed by his burial in Dolliver Memorial Cemetery, Gloucester. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to Action Inc, 180 Main St, Gloucester, MA. 01930.
