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BORN
1921
DIED
2019
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Johnnie Rocha Obituary
JAN 27, 1921 - JUL 21, 2019
Johnnie M. Rocha of Merced, Ca. was born January 27, 1921 in Massachusetts to Manuel and Mary Rocha. He passed away on July 21, 2019 at home with his loving wife Rosie of 60 years at his side.
In the 1940's Johnnie played semi-pro baseball in Modesto, Ca. for 7 years. He managed a championship baseball team for the Merced City League from 1951 to 1954. In 1956 Johnnie was the president of the league and he organized the first Merced City Softball Tournament and was president of the Softball Association. He was also a member of the A.S.A Umpires Association. In 1963 he organized fundraising for the Bowl Down for the Cancer Society. He enjoyed bowling and was a member of the Merced Men's Bowling Association for 20 years. He also helped organize the Three Gateways Sportsmen's Club in 1968 and was a co-founder and chairman of the Merced County Sports Hall of Fame. He was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1976. Johnnie was also a member of the Merced County Historical Society and was honored in 2011 in the Merced County Old Timers Association. Johnnie loved to hunt and fish and he planned an annual mens trip with his family at Porcupine Creek in Yosemite.
Johnnie is preceded in death by his parents Manuel and Mary Rocha; his sons, Gerald and Daniel; his daughter, Nicolette and his sisters, Mary Lemos and Lillie Standifird.
He is survived by his loving wife Rosie Rocha; his children Gary (Ruthanne) Rocha, Patti Coffee, Pam (Gary) Larimer, Julie (Gary) Cornaggia. Along with 7 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild and numerous nephews and nieces.
Remembrances can be made to The Kayla Bernardi Bee Positive Foundation, PO Box 307, Turlock, Ca. 95381 or the Merced County Historical Society Courthouse Museum, 21st and N Street, Merced, Ca. 95340. On behalf of the family, they would like to thank all his caregivers for their caring dedication to Johnnie.
There will be a vigil held on Tuesday, July 30, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home located at 1490 B Street, Merced, Ca. A rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m.. A funeral mass will be held the next day July 31, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Merced, Ca. with interment following at Calvary Cemetery.
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Memories and Condolences
for Johnnie Rocha
Becky Ponce
August 2, 2019
Sorry for the loss of a very nice human being I knew at the Sun Star.
Lorrie Lopez
August 1, 2019
Rosie & Family, I have such wonderful memories of working for Johnnie at the Merced Sun-Star. Johnnie was a great boss, and i am thankful for all he did for me. Rosie my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless
Abigail Davis
July 30, 2019
❤
Abigail Hernandez Normandin
July 30, 2019
I am so saddened to hear of Johnnie's passing. I know Johnnie from my Merced Sun-Star years. He worked with my mother Emily all her years there! He was a great friend to here and I will always be grateful for that. Rosie I love you and I will pray for you and your family to cling to each other for support!
Amie Marchini
July 29, 2019
Sending our thoughts and prayers to the family. May you be embraced in the love of all those who cared so deeply for Johnnie. It was an honor to be involved in caring for Johnnie. He will be missed and remembered fondly. Amie, Mani, Lisa and the team of Amie Marchini Home Care
Jo Sullivan
July 28, 2019
Truly one of the dearest men in my life. Johnnie was my first boss. He hired me in 1966 while I was still in high school as part time office girl in the Atwater Office, which started me on an almost 30 year career with the Merced Sun-Star. I am so sad to hear of his passing. He was a wonderful person, someone we all looked up to. Condolences and love to his wonderful wife Rosie and his children.
July 26, 2019
Condolences on your loss. I always felt like he was my Uncle Johnnie too. Cherish your memories.
With love, Jeanette Amoroso Harrigan
Denise
July 26, 2019
Pam, my heart goes out to you and your family. From a co-worker.
Stratford Evans Funeral Chapel
July 25, 2019
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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