Harold I. Rochette, Sr.

1919 - 2013

Harold I. Rochette, Sr., LtCol USAF (Ret.), 93, of Meriden, died on Monday, February 25, 2013 at his home. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Doris Stange Rochette, to whom he was married for 65 years. He was born in Middletown on February 27, 1919, the son of the late Frank and Dora (Ehlers) Rochette, and graduated in the Class of 1938 at Woodrow Wilson High School in Middletown.
He served as a B-17 pilot in the Army Air Corps in World War II, was stationed at Grafton Underwood in England, and successfully flew 31 missions over occupied Europe, later serving as an instructor pilot. Harold was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, four Air Medals, and 2 Presidential Citations. He continued his service to our country in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. His WWII experiences are documented in the book he authored, "Eighth Air Force Lottery." Following the war, he worked for Northeast Utilities, retiring after 35 years of service.
Mr. Rochette was active in and served as Treasurer of Meriden's Antique Veterans - World Post No. 1. He was an officer in the Veterans of Foreign Wars and was a member of the DAV. Harold was a Founding Member of the Army Air Force Round Table and a past officer and member of the Middletown Sportsman's Club, the Brookfield Game Club, and the Middlefield Fish & Game Club. Mr. Rochette gave frequent presentations regarding his war experiences to local civic groups, high schools, and elementary schools. He is survived by his son, Harold I. Rochette, Jr., and daughter-in-law, Rose Rochette, of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin; his daughter, Barbara Dobson and son-in-law, Gregory Lewis, of Arvada, Colorado; his sister, Dorothy Wolfe, and brother-in-law, George Wolfe, of Middletown; his granddaughter, Karina Rochette, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; his grandson and wife, Jonathan and Christy Dobson, of Littleton, Colorado; his great-grandchildren, Brady Lyle Dobson and Lylah Christine Dobson, of Littleton, Colorado; his nephew, Brian Wolf, of upstate New York; and his nephew, Gary Wolfe, of Middletown.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Friday, March 1, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Stempien Funeral Home, 450 Broad St., Meriden. His funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the Stempien Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. To send an online expression of sympathy please visit www.stempienfuneralhome.com.