Sadly, on June 22 2024, early Saturday morning, Sidney Rochkind passed away in his sleep. He is survived by his beloved daughter, Suzanne Rockind, his beloved son, Craig Rochkind, his dear grandchildren, Remington and Victoria Reackhof, and Justin and Jennifer Rochkind. He also leaves behind Mary Bilyeu (Craig’s loving partner who Dad considered part of the family) and having been their loving uncle, Keith and Larry Monast. He was preceded in passing by his dear wife, Helen Rochkind (nee Schneider), his sister-in-law, Sylvia Monast (nee Schneider) and her husband Sam Monast, their son Brian Monast, and Dad’s siblings (Adele, Al and Leo Rochkind).
Sidney was born in Spokane WA on January 29, 1924, to Harry Rochkind (aka Glassman) and Mary Rochkind (nee Warhaft). When he was eight years old, after Adele, his older sister’s death in 1927 and his mother’s passing in 1933, his father packed up his three sons; Dad, his oldest brother Al and middle brother Leo, and headed to Detroit MI to begin anew.
After settling down, Dad’s father remarried. Unfortunately, his older brothers soon moved out leaving Dad to an emotionally neglectful and abusive home life. As he got older, Dad had to work a variety of jobs to help support the family. By the end of the 1930’s, the Second World War was raging, and upon graduating Dad found himself drafted and transported to the hot and humid South to complete basic training. He was then shipped overseas, landing in Havre France just several days after the invasion of Normandy. He had become a Sargent in charge of his squad with the 580th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion. They bravely fought their way through Europe and into Germany. During this time, Dad purchased a Leica camera to photograph and record as much as possible. But he rarely spoke of his experiences; the worst being in one of Dachau’s concentration camps used for slave labor.
When Dad finally returned home, he went attended Wayne State University in Detroit MI, earning his Master of Education and PhD. He quickly found employment in the Detroit Public Schools beginning as a grade-school science teacher – a subject that had always been a passion of his. It wasn’t long before he met and began dating his future wife, Helen Schneider. They were married in1948 and briefly made their home in Detroit until moving the family to the ‘burbs. While Dad was still working in Detroit, he became the principal of an elementary school. He was well liked and respected. Those who worked with him knew he always made a concerted effort to create a learning environment that would engage his school’s students, their parents and their community.
While Dad was frequently busy with all that came with being a school principal, he found time to “relax” (which usually meant not hanging around the house). Summer breaks were times for family travels, visiting various museums or the zoo, going to the beach, walks through the park, barbequing and drives into the country to pick up fresh fruits and vegetables at roadside stands.
The years passed, Dad finally retired, the house was now too big for two people in their later years. So, Helen and Dad relocated to a new condominium. There, he kept busy as the president of their Homeowner’s Association. When Helen passed away in 2005, “Pops” (to his grandkids) left for Ann Arbor MI, to share a home with his daughter, Suzanne and her children, Victoria and Remington.
When Dad turned 100 at the end of January 2024, family members gathered in Ann Arbor to celebrate. There was plenty of food, stories and reminiscing by those who were able to attend. It was bittersweet since so many who he’d known had passed away. By June, Dad’s health was quickly declining. In a couple of weeks, thin, frail and having great difficulty walking, reluctantly, Dad had to be confined to his bed. With the days passing, he held on for as long as he could. But it wasn’t long before he slipped into unconsciousness and his spirit began its new adventure. It goes without saying, all those who knew and loved him will miss him dearly.
If you wish to honor Sidney Rochkind’s memory, please donate to the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, the pediatric acute care hospital located in Ann Arbor, MI. https://www.mottchildren.org/giving
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