Daniel Rochon

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Daniel (Dan/Danny) Rochon, age sixty five, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Saturday December 27, 2025. Dan was known for his faith, his steady presence, and the way he appreciated life's simple pleasures, leaving a forever lasting impression on all who knew him.

Dan was born on September 26, 1960 in Cadillac, Michigan to Joseph Rochon and Phyllis Rochon Pomeroy. After the early passing of Joe, Phyllis married Paul Pomeroy, who raised Dan as his own, and they all moved from Jackson to Grand Rapids. Many of his most shared childhood memories were outside adventures on Plaster Creek, summer days in Ludington, sneaking into the Grand Hotel pool on Mackinac Island and riding bikes everywhere he went.

Dan attended Davenport University, but his career began in high school when he got his first job in Food and Nutrition Services at a local hospital. Over his 40+ year career he worked his way up to Manager of Retail Nutrition Services. In addition to his work within the hospital system, he was truly passionate about his work at Cherry Hill Market. His job at the market was more than just a place of work, it was his second home. Customers and vendors became life long friends.

Dan was a devoted brother, uncle, and friend. He was a master sandcastle builder, had a contagious laugh, and knew the best ice cream was from House of Flavors. A pillar of the Cherry Hill community, Dan was known for his generosity and thoughtfulness. He made it a point to know his regular customers by name and story, often going above and beyond, out of his way to carry items simply because he knew someone would appreciate them. Giving to others came naturally to Dan, and for him, the size of the gesture always mattered. Dan was also dependable and patient. Many people would not voluntarily teach a new driver how to drive, but Dan was more than happy to help his niece get her driving hours. He also found joy in life's simple pleasures; he lives on through his cherished love for horses and lighthouses, and some of his happiest memories were spent in Pentwater while camping. His creative spark was shown through his store window displays and his love of making gingerbread houses, especially during the holidays that brought warmth and smiles to everyone that saw them. He was a kindred spirit to many–deeply loyal, endlessly kind, and always presenting a listening ear; Dan had a rare ability to make someone feel heard and valued. His loyalty and steady companionship left a lasting mark on those fortunate enough to know him.

Laughter shared over sandcastles and gingerbread houses, quiet conversations with family and friends, and the care he poured into every person and place he touched-Dan's adventurous spirit and gentle heart ripple through the lives of everyone he knew, a lasting reminder that kindness and love are the truest measures of a life well-lived. Though he no longer walks among us, his memory continues to light our days.

Dan is survived by his three brothers, Randy Rochon, Chris Pomeroy, and Jim (Nancy) Pomeroy, his sister, Sharon (Bruce) Kelly, nephew Ben Kelly, nieces Anna (Alex) Ruhlman and Sarah (Andrew) Michels, great-nephew Oliver Ruhlman, and great-niece Margaret Michels. He is also survived by dear friends who became family, Eric Marcellus, Diane Siegel, Aaleyah Marcellus, and 'Little' Eric Marcellus along with numerous other loving family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, Joseph Rochon, his mother, Phyllis Pomeroy, his brother Todd Rochon, and his step-father, Paul Pomeroy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 9, 2025 at 11:00 am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church (1935 Plymouth Ave SE, Grand Rapids MI 49506) with a celebration of life immediately following at St Adalbert's Fraternal Aid, 5th Street Hall (701 5th St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504). There will be a visitation prior to the funeral at 10:00 am. There will also be a visitation held on Thursday, January 8, 2025 from 4pm to 8pm at Ofield Funeral Home (4500 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids MI 49508).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kent County Animal Shelter in Dan's memory or contribute to the purchase of a memorial bench via venmo, @DanRochonMemorial.