Obituary of Patricia Rockhill

Patricia (Patti) Rockhill, age 83, died on Friday, January 11, 2019 at her beloved harbor-side home in Stamford, CT surrounded by her books, her dearly loved springer spaniel Georgia and her family.  The youngest of 3 children, Patti was born in Rochester, NY to George and Estell VanEpps and is survived by her brother’s George (Grace) and Donald; both residing in Rochester, NY.   

After graduating high school, Patti moved to New York City and worked at several world-class enterprises, as a paralegal, including the L.A. Times and her beloved PepsiCo in Purchase, NY.  Patti was a life-long learner throughout her life having attended The College of New Rochelle and she was sharp as a tac until her passing; frequently completing the NY Times crossword puzzle on Sunday mornings.     

She is survived by her 2 children, from her first marriage to John Dignam; Justin Dignam (Christine) of Anaheim Hills, CA, Peter Dignam (Lauren) of Flower Mound, TX and her 5 grandchildren; Taylor, Chandler, Jack, Cole and Samuel.  Patti love her grandchildren with all her heart and she was especially proud of their many achievements and accomplishments through the years. 

It was in 1992 Patti married the love of her life, Jerome (Jerry) Rockhill.  Jerry was a wonderful husband to Patti, loving father and grandfather, a true-gentleman to the world and a gifted Hotchkiss School and M.I.T educated Engineer. 

Prior to his passing in January 2013, they shared many loving years of life and a passion for sailing and travel together.  Long time members of the Stamford Yacht Club; together they expressed their passion through competitive sailboat racing, training and teaching others the art and science of sailing. 

Patti was a passionate member of the Shippan Point Garden Club, a volunteer at the Ferguson Library in Stanford, and a volunteer at Stamford hospital; where she was recognized for donating over 1,500 of service hours. 

Her grasp of the English language and her exceptional grammatical eloquence will be remembered by all and Patti’s energy and sass will be missed by all those who knew her and who loved her. 

The family is reviewing options on an appropriate memorial service that would be consistent with Patti’s wishes.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Patti’s name to The New England English Springer Spaniel Rescue donate here or the SPCA of Connecticut (a no-kill shelter) donate here