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Hamilton Rothrock Obituary
HAMILTON "ROCKY" ROTHROCK
AGE: 71 HOLMDEL
On October 29th Rocky left a Russian Icebreaker and flew by helicopter where he landed and set foot upon the ice atop the Weddell Sea near the coast of Antarctica. He walked a mile across that sea ice where he reached the Snow Hill Rookery of four thousand nesting Emperor Penguins. He pulled out his camera to take pictures and fell back and died of a heart attack on the ice. We believe he died of awe. His family wants to thank you for giving us that memory of you leaving this Earth doing what you loved and fulfilling a lifetime dream. You lived an epic life and died as you lived. We will truly miss you.
Rocky was a loving father and grandfather and is survived by his devoted daughter, Kristen Drusjack, her husband, Greg Drusjack and their beloved daughter, Devyn; his devoted son, Stephen Rothrock and his partner, Kristianne Connor, and her beloved daughter, Grace, and by his sister, Eve Auch, and by many others who knew and loved him for his adventurous spirit.
Rocky graduated from Yale and obtained his Doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania in Systems Engineering. He worked for Bell Laboratories as a young man helping to pioneer the invention of voicemail and went on to develop innovative safeguards that protected the network infrastructure from terrorism and other threats for the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah- and later for the Summer Games in Athens, Greece. He was an avid rower and member of the Navesink River Rowing Club, sailor, white water canoeist and hiker and traveled the world visiting 77 countries in his lifetime. He was a passionate birder, and that love of birds had taken him to Antarctica to see the Emperor Penguins. He was a former President of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Monmouth County.
On Saturday, December 11th 2010 we will be holding a Memorial Service in honor of Rocky at 4:30 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Monmouth County (1475 West Front Street- Lincroft, NJ 07738). We ask that donations be made in lieu of flowers to a charity of your choice that represents the life and loves of our father. Our father naturally would welcome any donations that celebrate the preservation of the wild beauty of this Earth. He also was a lifetime supporter of 180 Turning Lives Around (1 Bethany Road Building 3 Suite 42- Hazlet, NJ 07730)- a local organization dedicated to women who are victims of domestic violence. He also was a lifetime supporter of the Appalachian Mountain Club- particularly of the Echo Lake AMC Camp (AMC Echo Lake Camp PO Box 219 Mt. Desert, Maine 04660- note on check for the Rothrock Memorial) where he was well known as a naturalist and teacher of the glory of Mount Desert Island's Acadia National Park.
We truly miss him, but are equally and deeply amazed by the beauty of his death. It is rare that one can say that a death is beautiful. Rocky's death was beautiful and profound- and our family is comforted by the image of his dying in awe on the sea ice off the coast of Antarctica in front of a rookery of 4000 Emperor Penguins fulfilling a lifetime dream. It has been said "Get busy living or get busy dying." Your memories leave no doubt as to which side of that statement you resided. Well done, Rocky. Well done.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Hamilton Rothrock
Sponsored by Kristen Drusjack.
July 8, 2014
I was thinking of you tonight. Here on this mountain in the Smokies. I think you would like it here. I wish you could see the Lunar Moths everywhere and know... I am here because of you. Literally. This mountain and the wilderness that abounds was your gift to me. Thank you. Miss you, Dad.
Annaswamy Natarajan
March 1, 2014
Rocky Rothrock was my first boss at Bell Labs. He was a perfect gentleman. He made me feel comfortable at Bell Labs when I was in awe working at a high-tech lab! Although very highly accomplished by his education and his work, he had a extremely simple demeanor - no unnecessary pomp! I knew he was an outdoors man. The way he breathed his last, at a location viewing what he cherished so much in his life, is so touching! My humble respects to this nice man and condolences to his family and friiends! Raj Natarajan
Bryan Jones
November 11, 2012
I know Hamilton only through the loving words and pride of his son Steve, but I would have loved to meet this fascinating man.
mj chalakani
March 3, 2011
I had the pleasure of meeting Rocky at Echo Lake Camp, Maine, back in 2009. We discovered that the river he rowed upon most mornings was the same river I gazed out at during my workday. I vowed to meet him back in Red Bank for some lessons and was really hoping to do that this summer. I am so sad to hear of his passing, sad that I will not row with Rocky or learn from him this summer when I return to Camp. But he lived a full and passionate life and that is a gift.
I am sorry for the loss of your Dad and thankful I had the pleasure of knowing him for one week of his wonderful life.
John Lewis
December 12, 2010
Such a nice memorial service -- a fitting tribute. Is there a creature or remote landscape your father didn't photograph?
I'm another of those who grew up with him in the Beverly Hills part of Alexandria. He might have been a half year ahead of me at George Mason School.
Those stories you-all told of him have me doubting my memory. Because I remember him from early in Boy Scouts as being close to the last boy who would have been expected to become a world-class outdoor adventurer, someone willing to shoulder a heavy pack and hike around with it.
Quite a life. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Diane Brush
November 19, 2010
Rocky was my first boss at Bell Labs when I was hired as a temp in 1979. He was someone I really looked up to and deeply admired. Some of you reading this may not know that Rocky did needlework as a way to relax. I remember how impressed I was to learn this about him. Yes, he was a man’s man, an adventurous spirit, who left no stone unturned in his zest for life, but he had a quiet, sensitive, introspective side which was also very appealing. At the time I met Rocky, I was coping with a devastating loss in my own life. Through his kindness, patience, and encouragement, I found my way and got back on my feet. I owe him so much. Though I was saddened to learn of his death, I am happy that he died doing something he loved. How many of us will be so fortunate? He was one of a kind and will forever be missed. My condolences to his family at this sad time.
November 17, 2010
Stephen, like the others who have written, I was touched by your obituary. I was a neighborhood kid, and was privileged to know your Dad in grade school and thru high school, albeit he was in the class behind me. Indeed a smart man, an adventurer and a true soul as you so lovingly captured. My condolences to all the family.
Pete Latimer
November 17, 2010
I went to GW with Rocky and remember him as being one of the smartest and nicest person in our class. So sorry to hear of his death but agree that he passed on doing what he truly enjoyed and loved. Barbara Hyde Fariss, Prospect, KY
Josephine Paltin
November 16, 2010
Rocky hired me at Bell Laboratories in 1982 and was my first boss there. He opened up a fabulous career opportunity for me for which I am eternally grateful. While I was away at Univ. of Pennsylvania for gradute school, Rocky stayed in touch, which I learned from my peers was rather uncommon among managers. Of course, it was part of Rocky's character to nurture and coach the next generation.
I did not work for Rocky long after returning from graduate school, because of the perennial reorganizations that took hold at Bell Labs, but I frequently heard about his adventures. I think he called them vacations. His enthusiasm for nature and its boundless wonders was always part of the ambience. I wish I'd heard more of his wonderful stories first-hand. What an amazing life.
November 15, 2010
I went to George Washington High School with Rocky. He was always a leader, very smart and very kind to everyone. Stephen, you're a Rock for writing such a beautiful obituary. I know you will truly miss him.
Ruthie Redmond Kohlhaas, Austin, Texas
Phil Yates
November 14, 2010
My wife, Bobbi, and I were shocked to learn the sad news - - both because 71 is relatively young (we’d like to think) and because Rocky was living such a vigorous, adventurous life. Both facts, one would think, would portend a long, long life.
In Alexandria, Virginia, I went to George Mason Elementary School with Rocky; and Bobbi and I went to George Washington High School with him. At both schools he was an academic standout among academic standouts. Still he was as traditional and regular as the next guy - - nothing we remember presaged the exciting and daring undertakings of his adult life - - unless you count that along with his excellent academics (always on the Honor Roll) he also played football. As a popular and well-regarded classmate, Rocky was elected Chairman of the January Graduating Class.
It was with awe and great admiration we read of his adventures in his obituary - - and would we all could write such an ending to our lives. At our 50th High School Reunion we listened to Rocky expound on his exploits - - still we were surprised to learn he did not nearly cover all. I believe most of our classmates will be surprised to read of his life and all of us will be wishing we could have experienced just a small portion of it.
How sorry we are we will be unable to hear Rocky tell of his trip to the Antarctica at our 55th Reunion in 2012. If you have journals, perhaps you will share them with us.
It was touching to read here how his life’s story impressed even strangers. What a lovely sentiment was expressed in the song offered by Bill Shamick in his comments on November 11: "For the few brave souls who dare to believe, That there's more to this life than an office downtown, . . ." It sums up in a few words the extraordinary in Rocky's life.
We send our sincere sympathies.
Erin (Michaud) Engenhart
November 14, 2010
What a glorious life and death. We were very moved by this story and send our deepest condolences to the family.
Erin Michaud, Holmdel HS Class of '84
Bill Shamick
November 11, 2010
To the family and friends of Rocky,
I only knew Rocky for a few days as we shared a room in Ushuaia and then a cabin on board our ship to Antarctica.
He left the ship in a group before me and it was only after my return that I learned of his passing. I lost my father many years ago on 10-26 and my mother last year on 10-27. My birthday is on 10-29. While I had a birthday present this year, seeing the emporer penguins for the first time as did Rocky, I was rewarded with the most beautiful sunset that evening as maybe that was Rocky's way of saying thank you and good bye. He got his wish.
On our final nite before crossing the Drake Passage, I read three different segments from songs, the last of which is here for Rocky and all of us small boats.
So here's to small boats on big oceans and lives filled with dreams,
For the few brave souls who dare to believe,
That there's more to this life than an office downtown,
Here's to small boats on big oceans and dreams you can't drown.
Bill J Shamick
November 10, 2010
We knew Rocky as a horseback rider, skier, photographer, adventurer and traveler. And as a very smart but modest man. We will miss him.
Our sincere condolences to all his friends and family. Sherry and Asim Bolca, Midway, UT
November 9, 2010
You don't know me but I was truly touched by your father's obituary. What a remarkable man that truly lived his life to the fullest. He captured the beauty of the penguins, what joy he must have felt. RIP Mr. Rocky
Michelle Sistad
November 9, 2010
Stephen,
I too would welcome a passing amongst such beauty. I did not know this man but I share his passion for nature and my love affair with it will continue to flourish through all that I do,through people like him, in spirit. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Michelle Sistad CYMCA
Margaret Norton
November 8, 2010
Beautifully written Steve...he left you many memories and much inspiration.
Maggie and Jan
Amy Endler
November 8, 2010
In loving memory.
Rita Varneke
November 8, 2010
I never met Rocky, or any of his family or friends. However, his obituary was one of the most beautiful and touching stories I have ever read! Imagine, to have lived a life so full, and to have inspired so many people, even those you don't know, by the living of it! God Speed! I hope I die (and live)so well.I'm glad he got to see the penguins. My condolences to all of you.
One of our many near-death experiences on the Gauley River.
Larry Chesal
November 7, 2010
Rocky - you taught me so much in life, and now, in death.
Well done, indeed!
Stephen Rothrock
November 7, 2010
Thank you for all the kind words and compassion from all who knew and loved my father. Your support means so much. I miss you, dad. You made writing your obituary so hard and so easy. I love you with all my heart and you truly live within my heart, and you lived so well. Your passing was beautiful. As I wrote "Well done, dad. Well done." Your son. Stephen
Linda Ensor
November 7, 2010
All of us in Navesink River Rowing will miss you profoundly, Rocky. You were always there to help with lessons, repairs, and new projects. I particularly will miss seeing you at the site: you were the first person to trust me in a double, and you taught me what it means to row in tandem with someone else. Enjoy being able to see penguins, glaciers, and calm waters for eternity. You will always be in our thoughts.
November 7, 2010
Stephen, It has been several years since we have worked together. I now know where your spirit comes from. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Janet Wolff
Sweeney
November 7, 2010
So long for now, Rocky. Rest in peace. It may take a half dozen of us, but we'll try to hold up your end at the site. Godspeed.
Gina Duarte
November 7, 2010
Deepest Sympathy for the Family and Friends .
November 7, 2010
I didn't know Rocky, but I wish I did. RIP Rocky
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