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BORN
1950
DIED
2016
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Steven Rockhold Obituary
March 7, 1950 - June 10, 2016
Resident of Santa Cruz
Steven Fredrick Rockhold, 66, died June 10, 2016, with his family by his side in Santa Cruz, California.
He was born March 7, 1950, in Long Beach, California, to Howard and Nell Rockhold, and was the youngest of four boys. Steve and his family moved to New Mexico before finally settling in Santa Cruz when he was a child.
Steve was an avid basketball player throughout his life, and played competitive basketball at Soquel High School, St. Mary's, Cabrillo College, and the University of California Santa Barbara. After graduation, Steve went on to play professional basketball for the Top Division European Basketball League in Italy, Switzerland, France and Holland. In the USA, he played on the rookie basketball team of the San Francisco Warriors. Basketball was a lifelong passion, and the friends and travels he made represented many of the highlights of his life. Later, his love of sports informed his role as a mentor and coach for his kids sport teams, including basketball, little league and softball. His spirit and enthusiasm for athletics touched so many in our community through his encouragement and support.
Steve's other professional accomplishments include a bachelor's and a master's degree, and the attainment of his MFCC license. Steve worked as a special education teacher, counsellor and, finally, he retired as a mental health specialist for the County of Santa Cruz. In between teaching and counselling, Steve also worked in construction. His positive impact on those he encountered personally or professionally cannot be overstated; he had a gift, which made all who met him feel cared about, loved and supported.
Steve is survived by his older brothers, Jack and Tom Rockhold; his children, Lauren Zephro, Matt Rockhold, Nathan Rockhold, Luke Rockhold and Leah Rockhold; his grandchildren, Sydney Zephro and Delilah Klien; and his wife of 29 years, Diana Rockhold.
He was preceded in death by his mother, father and his older brother Verne Rockhold.
Steve will be remembered as a gentle giant, dedicated father, local basketball legend, and good friend. His love of music, crossword puzzles and family are deeply appreciated and will be greatly missed.
Donations may be sent to Hospice of Santa Cruz.
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Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries
mark moors
February 6, 2021
A powerhouse on the basketball court and a kind, gentle soul off the court. A rare combination. Rocky, RIP.
Mark Henry
June 14, 2020
A real friend....
Mark Henry
September 4, 2016
Steve Rockhold was a wonderful friend and teammate for many, many years. I will forever be thankful that I was able to be a part of his life and he a part of mine. I have never met a kinder, more caring person than my friend Steve.....RIP big guy, I know you are in Heaven where you belong
Steve Bonaker
July 3, 2016
Rest in Peace, Rocky!
Ronnie Murry
June 21, 2016
One of the first times I played a basketball
against Steve I was fortunate enough to have knocked the ball loose from those HUGE and incredibly powerful hands. Steve retrieved the ball, put an elbow into my chest and then one handed a slam dunk that bounced off my forehead and out of bounds. He looked at me and grinned from ear to ear. I started laughing and he rubbed his hand through my hair and said "Good try Ronnie". What a smile.
Sherry Henry
June 17, 2016
Stevie. Of all men who journeyed in this life, I see you as one of the few who made a difference. The way you loved your family, the many friends who valued you and held you high in esteem...I will miss your wonderful loving eyes when they were engaging with your family. No children could love a Father more. My sorrow is for their mourning the loss of the sweetest man that walked the Earth. I feel honored to have known such a great man. Thank you for touching my life. Always missed, never forgotten. I pray your children and your dearest of friends John get through your passing with all the love and support of those you touched. Rest in peace my sweet gentle giant.
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Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel - Santa Cruz1050 Cayuga St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
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