Joseph Michael Rock
Date of Passing:
Joseph Michael Rock, 72, of Riverside, died unexpectedly on Sunday November 17, 2024 at Rhode Island Hospital, Providence. He was the beloved husband of Margaret F. (Thompson) Rock.
Born in Providence, a son of the late Joseph J. and Genevieve (Rafferty) Rock, he was a lifelong resident of Riverside and summered in Martha’s Vineyard, MA.
Mr. Rock was a special education teacher for the East Providence School Department for 26 years and served as the Director of Special Education Department for 2 years before retiring in 2004. He was also an Administrator for the former Behavior Research Institute. After retiring, he continued his work as a Special Education advocate on behalf of children and their families.
Michael was a graduate of East Providence High School Class of 1970, Keene State College Class of 1976 and received a Master’s Degree from Providence College in 2002.
Mr. Rock was a member of the East Providence Teacher’s Association. He also was a volunteer coach for the Riverside Little League, AYSO Girls Soccer, Bayside YMCA basketball, and St. Brendan’s CYO basketball.
Michael enjoyed sailing, golfing, fishing, photography, the Providence Friars basketball team, the Boston Celtics, and New York Yankees. Known for his sense of humor, he loved entertaining family and friends with his stories. His personality was larger than life and could strike up a conversation with anyone.
Besides his wife of 32 years, he is survived by a son, Sean M. Rock and his fiancée Krystal Choup of Warwick; a daughter, Kellie M.G. Rock of Riverside; four brothers, James H. Rock of Riverside, Robert E. Rock and his wife Madonna of East Providence, Stephen F. Rock and his wife Deborah of Westport, MA and John P. Rock and his wife Patricia of Cranston and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother-in-law of the late Sharyn Rock.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Calling Hours on Sunday November 24, 2024 in the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in J. Michael’s memory to Best Buddies International would be deeply appreciated.
Sorry to hear about the passing of your dear husband. You are in our thoughts. 🙏🏻❤️
Margaret, I am so terribly sorry to hear about your husband’s death. Please accept my sincere condolences to you and your family on your loss. Keeping you all in my prayers.
Margaret, I’m so very sorry for the loss of you dear husband. Please accept my condolences.
Steve and I want to send our sincere condolences to you and your family. He was a wonderful person. May he rest in peace.
On behalf of the East Bay Retired Teachers Association I’d like to extend our sympathy to the Rock/ Thompson families on the death of Michael. Many of us remember them as children in our classrooms. Both families had teachers amongst us and go back many years. Margaret, I remember you at Oldham when Theresa was in my first grade class. Rob’s children were at Kent Heights School when I taught there. Memories are precious and should be treasured. Your families are in our thoughts and prayers as we lose another member of our extended family.
Please accept my condolences, as a former Terrace neighbor, for the loss of your husband.
My condolences to Margaret and family on your loss.
Rob, Madonna and Family our sincere condolences on the loss of your brother may he RIP in’ Gods Kingdom.
Diane and Richard D’Ascoli
Sincere condolences to Margaret and the entire Rock family. May the love of family and friends surround and comfort you in your grief.
I met Mike at BRI when we worked there in the 80’s. So sorry Margaret and family for your incredible loss.
Rob and Madonna, my deepest sympathy on the passing of your brother/brother-in-law.
Donna
To Jim and the entire Rock Family, My deepest sympathy.
Paul Colvin
My deepest sympathies to all of Mike’s family. I worked closely with Mike when we had students in common. He was able to convince even the most difficult student to want to do well. I loved watching him work. He will be missed.
Deepest sympathy and condolences to Margaret, Sean, Kellie, and Jimmy, Robbie, Stephen, and John. Of course, we will continue to read over and over again in these messages about Mike’s amazing ability to make anyone laugh, He truly did have a personality that was larger than life…..and everyone was drawn to it. I was fortunate to have worked with Mike almost from day one at the new Martin Junior High School, where we were “locker room buddies”. I never minded that duty because Mike greeted me with a song every morning as I approached the library. What a great way to begin and end every school day!
He was quite a character,, and loved by so many.
Mike, you will be so greatly missed by every one of us that had the pleasure of knowing you, and never forgotten. Now you will be entertaining your parents once again, as you watch over everyone else.
The world lost an amazing and much loved person, and heaven gained an amazing, caring, thoughtful, and talented angel.
Rest in God’s Love. Keeping you and your entire family in thought and prayer throughout this most difficult time. Rest in Peace.🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻
Jimmy,Robbie, Steve,John—My condolences on Mike’s passing!!!!
My sincere condolences to the Rock family. I have know Mike since I was a child and had the good fortune to work with him for about ten years at BRI. He was always a positive force of nature. He was part of the EP school system when my children attended and was always an amazing advocate. He will be missed and fondly remembered.
Bob, my sincere condolences to you and your family for the loss of your brother. May he RIP
from Jeanne Wylie Sadler
Condolences to you and your family on the passing of your brother.
Bob, Bert and I send out deepest condolences to you. Madonna, and your entire family. We are so sorry to read of his passing. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. So sorry brother!!
I send sincere prayers and condolences to Mike’s family.May he Rest peacefully in Peace🙏🌺
RIP Mike. It was a pleasure to have met and known you. Thanks for the boat ride that one summer day. One of the highlights of my life being on the water with you and Mike and Kelly. You will be missed greatly. Please give Taylor a big hug for all of us. My condolences to all of your family and friends.
As kids, our parents were very close, and we were also. All of the Rock’s were jovial, filled with humor and a great attitude. We are sad to learn of this untimely passing. Annie and I send our sincere condolences to his wife and family. 🙏
My deepest sympathy to Margaret, Sean, and Kellie as well as the extended Rock and Thompson families. I will miss my sweet friend who made me laugh whenever we spoke. I will cherish the memories of our college days in Keene and all the times since. Rest in Peace.
Heaven has received one of earth’s angels. Michael was an advocate for school children and their families in East Providence.
Extending sympathy to the entire Rock family on behalf of the East Providence Education Association. Mike was an outstanding teacher and always put his students first. He was a valued member of the EPEA.
Jean Goulet, Past President, EPEA
One of my greatest friends! I love you, Mike. To Margaret, Sean, and Kellie; you have my deepest sympathy.
I extend my deepest sympathy to the entire Rock family. This is a great loss to you and to our community. May Mike rest in eternal peace.
Mike will be truly missed! His kindness and laughter is something no one can forget. So sorry to his family ! ❤️
Joe Snee – Very sorry to learn that Michael has passed. Many great memories from our family get togethers and Lido Beach vacations. My condolences to his entire family.
My condolences to the Rock family.
May you rest in peace my friend.