Mike "Manuel" Rocha

Mike Rocha passed away September 3, 2011 in Stockton, CA at the age of 85. He was born in New Bedford, Ma in 1926. Mike's parents had immigrated to America from Portugal. As a child, when not going to school and working odd jobs, Mike would hitchhike to Boston and watch the likes of Ted Williams, Dom DiMaggio and Babe Ruth at the famed Fenway Park and Braves Field. At the age of 17, Mike answered the call to serve his country in the Second World War as a sailor in the U.S. Navy. Mike served in the Pacific on two different aircraft carriers; the USS Hornet and the USS Wasp. When the Korean conflict broke out, Mike once again joined the Navy to serve his country. During the eight years of service in the U.S .Navy, Mike saw significant combat action. It was while in the Navy that Mike took on his first name. You see, Mike's given birth name is actually Manuel. " Mike" was a nickname given to him by his fellow shipmates. Mike decided to adopt the nickname as his official first name. During his years in the Navy, Mike had been stationed in Stockton, Ca. It was while living in Stockton, on one those occasions, that he befriended Carl and Helen McDaniel. Carl and Helen had several children. Their youngest daughter, Nellie, was not a big fan of Mike. It may have been because Mike was 9yrs her senior. After Mike finished his second tour with the Navy, he once again found himself back in Stockton. It was this second go around that he reconnected with Nellie. This reconnection led to the love affair that spanned over 5 decades. Nellie was unquestionably the love of Mike's life. There can be no doubt that in the eyes of Mike Rocha, the sun rose and set around Nellie. Throughout the years, Mike and Nellie helped one another to raise 5 children, 4 boys and 1 girl. The one girl, Diane, held a special place in Mike's heart as "daddy's girl". Mike worked several jobs throughout the years. It was his job at Safeway Meat Packing Plant in Stockton for which Mike worked the longest until he retired in 1991. During the years following Mike's retirement, he and Nellie enjoyed dining out, going for drives, visiting children and grandchildren. Mike and Nellie also enjoyed listening to the crooners of the 40's and 50's. You could say that Mike's primary hobby was enjoying the company of his wife, Nellie. Nellie was taken by the Lord unexpectedly in March, 2011. This event weakened an already ailing Mike. Just before Mike's passing, he spent a great deal of time with his children and grandchildren. There can be no doubt that he loved all of them immensely. Mike Rocha is survived by his sister, Del Freitas of New Bedford, Massachusetts. Mike was the loving father to his son Ted Pierce (wife Debra), son Ben Pierce (wife Linda), daughter Diane Campos (husband Louie), son Joe Rocha (wife Penny) and his son Bob Rocha (wife Jean). Mike is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren (soon to be 17). Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service with honors provided by the Karl Ross Post #16 held at the Evergreen Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 and E. Harney Lane, Lodi, CA 95240, Friday, September 23, 2011 at 1:00 PM. The Karl Ross Post will be conducting an honors service. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House of San Joaquin, 3888 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95204.