PAUL E. ROCKWELL

Paul E. Rockwell, M.D. of Front Street, Canajoharie, NY, died peacefully on Thursday, December 29, 2011, with his family by his side. He was 87. Born in Wellsville, NY, he was the son of the late John and Mary Higgins Rockwell. He proudly enlisted with the United States Navy and served during WWII. He returned to service during the Korean Conflict in which he served as a medical doctor. Dr. Rockwell studied pre-medicine at Columbia University and went on to earn his doctorate at SUNY Downstate. He completed an internal medicine internship at Kings' County Hospital. He was also a Fellow of the American College of Anesthesiology and a member of the American Board of Family Practice. Dr. Rockwell practiced medicine for 57 years with practices in Wellsville, Troy and Canajoharie, NY. He retired in 2005 from Rockwell Family Practice. Being able to take care of his patients and their families was a true joy and blessing to Dr. Rockwell. Dr. Rockwell was an avid photographer and for many years could be seen at local events and parades taking pictures of the participants. He would proudly display his many photos on the walls of his medical offices for his patients to enjoy. Survivors include his wife, Merrill Skottke Rockwell, whom he married on August 2, 1987; 12 children, Kathleen Lawrence and her husband, Andrew, Susan Rockwell, Kevin Rockwell, Mary Ann Rockwell, Terrie Rockwell, Margaret Rockwell, Taine Rockwell, Gerard Rockwell, Brigid Rockwell, Alecia Rockwell, M.D., Stevie Rockwell and Rocky Rockwell; 10 grandchildren, Margaret, Nora, Peter, James, Dawn, Gaea, Sam, Eoin, Lydia and James; one brother, Joseph Rockwell and his wife, Joanne; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by four brothers and two children, Paul Rockwell Jr. and Elizabeth Ann Rockwell. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Sunday, January 1, 2012 from 2 until 5 p.m. at the Lenz & Betz Funeral Home, 69 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY where his arrangements have been entrusted. Interment will take place at a later date in Canajoharie Falls Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Canajoharie Volunteer Fire Department or to Mid-County Volunteer Ambulance in care of the funeral home office. Please visit Dr. Rockwell's guestbook online at www.brbsfuneral.com