Kenneth Haring Rockwell PhD

Kenneth Haring Rockwell of Huntingdon, passed away Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the age of 88 at Valley View Retirement Community, Belleville, with family by his side, after an extended decline due to Lewy body dementia (LBD). Born January 27, 1936 in Huntingdon, he was the eldest child of the late Donald Mason Rockwell, and Katherine May Rockwell (Haring).
Throughout his life, Ken was intellectually curious, passionate about learning and sharing his knowledge with friends and family. Ken's love of reading extended across many subjects including history and the arts. He had a special love for trains, whimsical humor, and cats. He was a devoted husband and father who met the world with compassion and a gentle manner.
On June 2, 1958, Ken was united in marriage to Mildred Brookes Mandeville. They were married for 66 years. Ken is survived by Millie, his wife, as well as their three children, Laura Christie Rockwell and husband, Keith McCarther, of Newark, DE, Peter Haring Rockwell and Curtis Arthur Rockwell and wife Julie Fether Rockwell, all of Huntingdon; two grandchildren, Alexandra Rockwell Lorenz and partner, Julio Rodriguez, of Boothwyn, and Melissa Rockwell Lorenz and fiancé, Christian Fetterhoff, of Manayunk. He is also survived by his three siblings, Marian Haring Rockwell of Gwynedd, James Arthur Rockwell and wife, Darla, of Lititz, and Susan Rockwell Coen of Colorado Springs, CO; as well as, five nieces and nephews.
Ken proudly attended the one room school house on Cold Springs Road during his elementary years. As a teenager, he worked as a radio DJ at WHUN and was an active member of the Boy Scouts before graduating in 1953 from Huntingdon Area High School. Ken went on to do his undergraduate degree at Juniata College, Huntingdon, majoring in Biology and graduating in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science. He received his Master of Science degree in Biology from Brown University in 1960 and subsequently earned his PhD in Zoology from The Pennsylvania State University in 1967.
While finishing his PhD, Ken joined the faculty at Juniata College, following in his parents' footsteps, who both were on the faculty in the Chemistry department. In 1979, he was awarded the Beachley Distinguished Teaching Award, an honor his father had also received. Dr. Rockwell served as Chair of the Biology department for several terms and took great pride in his teaching and students. After a 40 year career, Ken retired in 2000.
Though soft-spoken, he was a valued advisor and integral member of the larger Huntingdon community. For over 20 years, he served on the J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital Board of Directors and was also an elected member of the Huntingdon Area Board of Education.
After retiring, Ken spent much of his time developing his skills in photography and woodworking. He loved to capture interesting plants and animals, landscapes and sunsets with his camera and spent a great deal of time outdoors on his family property. If not outside, Ken was often in his workshop, tinkering with various machines or turning wooden bowls. His artwork was shown by the Huntingdon Area Arts Council and at Westminster Woods. Ken and Millie especially enjoyed traveling and touring. They visited all 50 U.S. states and several countries in Europe.
At the request of Dr. Rockwell there will be no public viewing. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, November 16th at the Stone Church of the Brethren, 1623 Moore St., Huntingdon. Visitation with the family will begin at 10 AM. The service will commence at 11 AM followed by a luncheon at the church.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in remembrance of Kenneth Haring Rockwell may be made to the Penn Memory Center either online at https://pennmemorycenter.org/gifts/donate/ or by check made payable to the "Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania." Please note the Penn Memory Center on the memo line and mail to: Penn Medicine Development Attn: Penn Memory Center, 3535 Market Street, Suite 750 Philadelphia, PA 19104.
To sign an online guest book and express condolences, visit www.johnbbrownfuneralhome.com.