Roy Rochon

Roy Rochon, formerly of Melbourne, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026 in Jesup, Georgia with his family by his side.

He is survived by his daughter, Michelle Wahlquist, four grandchildren - SFC (Ret) Brett Rochon (Nicole), SSG Justin Rochon (Destiny’ann), Jessica Zhao (Daniel) and Jay Veillette, 7 great grandchildren, sister Barbara Robertson and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his best friend and loving wife of 63 years, Marie Jeanne, his sons Steven and Raymond, his father Wilfred, mother Hazel and brother Richard.

Roy was born March 30, 1935 in Fall River, MA and grew up in Newport, RI. He graduated from Rogers High School in Newport in 1952 and from the former US Naval Air Station, Quonset Point  apprentice program in 1957 as an aircraft engine mechanic, serving the US Navy at several locations after Quonset Point’s closing. He retired after 38 years of service.

He was drafted into the US Army in 1958 and after serving two years at the Army Aviation School in Fort Rucker, Alabama he returned to civilian life and joined the 76 US Army Reserve Division where he served for 26 years, retiring as a Sergeant Major in 1985.

He was a former member of the Boy Scouts Troop 5 in Newport, the Jamestown Volunteer Fire Department as well as an EMT in the Jamestown Volunteer Ambulance Corp and the North Kingstown Volunteer Ambulance Corp. In later years he was a member of NARFE, the Little Rhody Club of Brevard County and the Maine Connection Club of Brevard County.

 He and Jeanne moved to Florida in 1992 and enjoyed traveling extensively in their RV. Their favorite place to visit was Maine, as well as any place their grandchildren were living. One of Roy’s hobbies was building model cars. He also enjoyed antique cars, having owned several while living in Rhode Island and was a member of the Rolling Rhodies Antique Car Club. When he was young he enjoyed soap box derby races in Newport and was the 1950 Newport Champion, one of the first winners for the “Racing Rochon’s.”

 Howard and Jones Funeral Home of Jesup, GA is in charge of local arrangements. Roy will be buried in Brunswick, ME in the family plot next to his beloved Jeanne at the convenience of the family.   Full military honors will be rendered by the United States Army.

 In lieu of flowers, you may wish to make a donation to one of Roy’s favorite organizations, the US Army Emergency Relief Fund, 200 Stovall Street, Alexandria, VA 22322.

The family wishes to thank the staff of At Home Living in Jesup, as well as Hospice of South Georgia, for their extraordinary and dignified care of Roy.

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