ROCHFORD, PAUL R. (Rocky), 83, of Bay Road, died peacefully on August 6, 2009 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Patricia (Clavin) Rochford. Paul was born in Westfield, MA, on July 4, 1926, son of the late Catherine (Powers) and Frederick Rochford, brother of the late Francis and Virginia Rochford.
Upon graduation from Westfield High School, Paul enlisted in the Army and served in combat in WW II with the Paratroopers of the 17th Airborne Division. Paul spent his 19th birthday in combat in Europe and fought in the Bulge, Rhineland and Central Europe, he received the Bronze Star in early 1945 for action in the Rhineland. When the war ended in Europe he was transferred to the 13th Airborne Division and headed for the invasion of Japan. Paul's duty with the 82nd Airborne followed until discharge in 1946. Paul served with Company D, 16th Special Forces Airborne Group RIARNG as an 11F4S from 1963 until 1967. He could be heard from the ground shouting “Geronimo” as he exited an aircraft. He retired as a Sergeant First Class.
Paul was a graduate of Middlebury College with a degree in psychology, Class of 1950. Furthering his studies he enrolled in Columbia University receiving his M.A. degree in Student Personnel Administration and Occupational Adjustment in 1951. Paul continued advanced studies in Guidance at Columbia University receiving a professional diploma in 1955 in Coordination of Guidance Services. He also completed further graduate work in preparation for a doctorate at New York University and Ohio State University. Paul worked in western Massachusetts for 6 years as a School Psychologist and Guidance Director then served as the Director of Guidance for Barrington High School in 1960. In 1966 Paul was appointed to Director of Admissions, Dean of Students and Dean of Community Affairs and taught Psychology at Roger Williams College. He also was an instructor at Salve Regina College in Newport and retired from education in 1989 after serving as Principle of Middletown High School for 14 years.
During his service in secondary and higher education, Paul was the Rhode Island state representative on the New England Committee of the Association of College Admissions Counselors, a member of the American Association of Clinical Counselors, The American Personnel and Guidance Association, the Massachusetts School Psychologists Association and a member of the Rhode Island Teachers Association and is a Certified Psychologist in the State of Rhode Island. Paul was a member of St. Luke's Parish for 46 years, also served on the church board.
Paul was a member (M5733) and former Secretary of Chapter 48, Special Forces Association. Paul was a kind and loving man whose happiness came from helping his family and friends. Paul is survived by his wife of 54 years, Patricia and their five children; Paul M. and his wife Kimberly, Peter J., Timothy and his wife Samantha, Amy R. Bettencourt, Sara and her husband Denny Muzzy, Mary T. and grandchildren, James, Ryan, Madison, Sally and Daniel. His funeral was held on Tuesday August 11, 2009 and a Mass of Christian Burial was conducted at St. Luke Church. Burial with Military Honors took place at Forest Chapel Cemetery, Barrington, RI. Members of Chapter 48, SFA provided an Honor Guard.
