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GEORGE ROCKWOOD Obituary

ROCKWOOD, George Ichabod Jr. Longtime Harwichport resident, George I. Rockwood, Jr., passed away peacefully, on September 26, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, to George I. Rockwood and Anna V. Rockwood, on January 28, 1934, George attended Andover Academy and Bowdoin College, before pursuing graduate education in at Wharton Business School. He subsequently enjoyed a lengthy career with Scudder, Stevens and Clark in Boston. George's father had been one of the six founding member of the Stone Horse Yacht Club in Harwichport, which engendered in young George a lifelong attachment to the club and sailing, as well as Cape Cod itself. He owned multiple boats in his lifetime, including a beautiful wooden schooner and, later, a wooden sloop designed by Sparkman Stephens. His cruising stops as a member of the Cruising Club of America covered much of the world, and nothing pleased him more than taking family and friends on sailing adventures (note: his eldest son hereby apologizes for sinking his prize dinghy, shredding his best mainsail, and dropping a quantity of Kahlua and milk into the bilge of the O'Day 27, eventually causing a hellacious odor). Similarly, his life racing small one-design sailboats and much larger, ocean-going yachts took him to distant locales, including England for the Admiral's Cup and Florida, for the Southern Ocean Yacht Racing circuit. He also completed multiple Bermuda races. George's marriage to the former Catherine Brown produced three sons, George, III, William and Charles. He was predeceased by his sister, Ellen; and son, William. He has seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His quietly wicked sense of humor and unassuming demeanor made him a tremendous friend, and the lucky people who knew him best would agree that George was one of the last true gentlemen. His manner and mannerisms truly came from a different century. A Memorial Service is being planned for Harwichport sometime next summer. Donations in his honor can be made to Sea Education Association, 171 Woods Hole Rd., Falmouth, Massachusetts 02540. (800) 552-3633.

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Published by Boston Globe from Oct. 1 to Oct. 2, 2025.

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Elliott Gunn

October 7, 2025

Circa 1974 waiting for a start on the oday 15, Yankeegirl (56' state of the art ocean racer ) appeared leaving little Wychmere at high tide and set the number 1 genoa heading to Edgartown heeling over to avoid hitting any sandbars. We got as close as we could and there was George on the leward rail checking the trim.... smiled at me and waved as he blew by, such a kind man. My deepest sympathies... Elliott Gunn

Hugh Fortmiller

October 5, 2025

I'm sure I write for many of George's friends in Phillips Academy Andover's Class of 1952. He was a kind, thoughtful companion, already passionately committed to sailing and the outdoors during all four of his years with us before he went to Amherst. The Class of '52 remember George as an imaginative, good-humored friend we will surely miss. We extend sympathy to his family and many friends.

Deb & Bubba Martin

October 3, 2025

Deep sympathies to all the Rockwoods- Your dad was a one of a kind. The Kimball's get to take a little credit for his sailing love, as our dad- Bill Kimball- was his sailing instructor at SHYC. Great memories all around SHYC, Wychmere and Harwich Port of your father. Be it sailing, playing with his boats in the harbor or just walking through town. Truly missed. Take care to all!

JF

October 3, 2025

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

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Leslie Heffernan

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Leslie Heffernan

October 2, 2025

I have had the great pleasure of meeting and knowing George during our wonderful summers in Harwich Port. George was always so kind, Humble, witty and interested in what I had to say! A true gentleman to the core. He so loved the sea, sailing and his Harwich Port home and memories. He will be remembered fondly! Rest in Peace!
with admiration and love, Leslie Heffernan

Connie Felker

October 2, 2025

So sorry to learn of George´s passing. He was a true gentleman and excellent friend. Not only was he a master sailer, he was a superior craftsman at adding little details to his boats. He surprised me one birthday with a beautiful wooden jewelery box he painstakingly hand crafted and carved. I cried when I realized what he had given me! I still cherish it and keep it on my bureau so I may see it daily. George also gave me the absolute best ever days sailing on Morning Light!!! Thank you George!!!

Mercy

October 2, 2025

My love and deepest sympathy to all of George´s family. We have lost a truly great friend. Mercy

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