Name: Prayer Service for Richard Rock
Start: 2023-09-29T11:30:00.000Z
End: 2023-09-29T12:00:00.000Z
Location: Our Lady of Fatima, Albuquerque

Richard "Dick" Rock

Richard "Dick" Rock, 86, of Albuquerque, NM, passed away on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, due to complications from chronic illness. Richard was born in Sterling, Illinois, on Saturday, June 26, 1937, to William Patrick Rock and Mary Rose (Keenan) Rock. In Sterling, he attended St. Mary's Grade School. He went on to graduate with honors from Newman High School.

Richard completed college at St. Mary's College in Winona, Minnesota, then attended medical school at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. From there, he enlisted with the Public Health Service, engaging in a 2-year general surgical role at the Phoenix Indian Medical Center. Following his honorable discharge from service, Richard took up Orthopaedic residency at Parkland Health, Dallas, Texas. In 1970, he opened his private Orthopaedic practice, Rock Professional Association, in Albuquerque, where he holistically cared for patients for 35 years.

Upon retiring, he instructed medical residents at the VA Medical Center for 10 years, and then retired again. Richard was a tremendous surgeon, who truly loved the practice of medicine. Many patients, nurses and fellow doctors have shared stories conveying his passionate professionalism, ability to heal, and resounding humor within the closed doors of the operating room.

Richard is survived by his son, Richard Rock, Jr. and wife, Kelly; daughter, Mary Gene Rock; son, Robert Rock and wife, Gretchen Deutsch; daughter, Catherine Rock; grandchildren, Connor, Danny, Steven, Quinn, and Keenan; and numerous nieces and nephews. Richard will be profoundly missed by family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary Rock; his brothers, William and David Rock; his sister, Mary Pat Hubert; and his beloved wife, Mary Ellen Rock.

Visitation, followed by

Rosary, will be held on Friday, September 29, 2023, 11:30 a.m., at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 4020 Lomas Blvd. NE. Mass will begin at 12:00

p.m. The Very Rev. Stephen Schultz, Pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, will be officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery, at 1:30 p.m. A Reception will follow at FRENCH â€" University at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School, 4020 Lomas Blvd. NE. Please visit our online guestbook for Dick at

www.FrenchFunerals.com.

Published by Albuquerque Journal from Sep. 24 to Sep. 27, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Rock

8 Entries

Esther Otero

October 7, 2023

My condolences to his family. I got to know Dr. Rock at Pres Hospital when I worked as a messenger. I would see him in the hallways and he would always have a smile and he would always greet me and say Hi, Flaca, which means skinny, and I would greet him and call him Flaco too and he would laugh and walk away saying see you later. I would always look forward to see him and another Dr. Best. They would always make my day. God bless you Dr. Rock.

Joanne Garcia

September 29, 2023

I am so sorry to here about your dad's passing. He was a great guy and played the saxaphone very good. Your mom & dad were client's of Atkinson & Co./CLA and that's where I work. I got to know them both very well. They were both wonderful people!! May he RIP

Ashley G.

September 26, 2023

I worked with Dr. Rock during his time with the VA; so sweet, extremely funny, very caring. I always looked forward to seeing him at work. He will be missed very much.

Ellen Evans, former patient

September 26, 2023

Dr. Rock was a sympathetic and caring person. I met him in Smith's and it was grand to see him and reminisce. I think of him many times and I know he is missed. I loved the trombone playing too.

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R.J. Philips

September 26, 2023

Many years ago, with an injured back, walking like a Chinese princess (6" steps), I was referred to Dr. Rock. Amazing bedside manner, offering the right exercises where less than a week later normalcy returned. A serious healer within the medical community...rest in peace, you earned it.

Leslie Woodward

September 25, 2023

I'm so sorry to hear of Dick's passing. I always enjoyed his company. He played at my wedding reception and boy, it was a blast.
Sending lots of prayers.
Leslie Woodward

Betty C. Kurtz

September 24, 2023

My deepest sympathy to Dr.Rock´s loved ones. Worked with him at Presbyterian. So much fun and kind to the staff. Blessings to him.

Theresa D Anaya

September 24, 2023

Dr. Rock was truly a jem. I have many fond memories of him at the VA hospital. Rest in peace my friend...

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