Dennis Rochelle Jr

August 6, 1933 - January 18, 2018 Dennis Estol Rochelle Jr., 84, of Troutman, passed away Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018. He was born Aug. 6, 1933, in Jersey City, N.J., to the late Dennis E. Rochelle Sr. and Virginia Cardillo Rochelle. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lucy Troutman Rochelle in September, 2015. He graduated from Durham High School in 1951, where he was taught and mentored by the late Maude Rogers. He went on to graduated from Charlotte College (UNCC) in 1958 and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1960. His career with Lever Brothers spanned over 25 years until his retirement in 1991. He was a life-long mechanic of all things broken, not just cars, had a fondness for children, old Fords, Packards, and finding a deal, was always ready for an adventure, either a drive to Mexico City or the antique mall on an empty tank of gas. He was loved by the young and old alike for his kindness, patience and charm. Never one to seek the spotlight, he lived his life as a true gentle man. Never one to judge others, he always said he had something to learn from everyone. He was a devoted husband to Lucy Troutman Rochelle for 55 years. They spent their free time hiking, traveling, and in the company of their family. The family will forever be grateful to his special caregivers, Lisa Freeze and the staff at Olde Knox Commons, especially his great-niece, Morgan Kern Greer, for their exceptional love and care during his final days. Those left to cherish his memory are his son, Dennis E. (Mary Jo) Rochelle III of Durham; daughter, Gina Rochelle (Michael Charles) Walker of Pawley’s Island, S.C.; sisters, Virginia (Winfred) of Vero Beach, Fla., Grace Abernathy of Stubenville, Ohio; Elaine Davis of Durham; brothers, Neil Rochelle of Durham and Stanley Rochelle of Naples, Fla.; grandchildren, Austin Moore, Caroline Cameron Rochelle, Rebecca Rochelle, and Catherine Elizabeth Walker; and many nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. A funeral service will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Friday, Jan. 26, at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Dieter Punt officiating. Interment at Troutman Family Cemetery will immediately follow the service. A reception will follow at his home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Troutman Family Historical Association, P.O. Box 1, Troutman, NC 28166; and/or to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 308, Troutman NC 28166. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.troutmanfuneralhome.com. Troutman Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for Dennis Rochelle Jr.