Richard Sheridan Rockwell

Richard Sheridan Rockwell (“Dick”), 78, of Anaheim Hills, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2018. He will be missed by his loving wife of 54 years, Pamela Rockwell; his brother, Phillip (Mary) Rockwell; his children James (Jan) Rockwell, Clinton (Kelly) Rockwell and Amy Rockwell; and his three grandchildren, Grady, Elliott and Paige. While a skilled trial attorney by trade, those who knew him best will remember him as a kind and loving husband, father and grandfather, who would always greet you with a big hug and a “welcome home.”

Born July 17, 1939 in Santa Monica, Dick was the son of the late Edwin and Grace Rockwell. Dick’s formative years were spent in Santa Monica and later Hollywood, where he attended Hollywood High School and lettered in four different sports. Dick put himself through college at UCLA with the help of an athletic scholarship. This is where he met and married Pam and solidified his status as a lifelong Bruins fan. He then started law school at Pepperdine University. After spending two years in law school, Dick volunteered to join the U.S. Navy in support of his country. He attended Officers Candidate School in Rhode Island, where he was selected as Color Guard Commander. Dick served three tours in Southeast Asia as a navigation officer, completing his service in 1969 as a lieutenant. When he returned to California, Dick finished law school while supporting his young family. He was admitted to the California Bar Association on June 2, 1972.

Dick started his career as a law clerk for the Honorable Albert J. Stephens Jr., where he excelled and formed lifelong friendships. He then joined a small law firm based in Tustin, which later became his own, specializing in corporate law, patent litigation, real estate law and first amendment litigation. Dick was a highly sought after attorney whose practice took him around the world, but what he enjoyed most was practicing in southern California near his longtime home in Anaheim Hills.

Dick’s quiet nature, sly humor and ability to single handedly keep Marie Callender’s and local donut shops in business will always be cherished. He will be remembered for his unwavering convictions, deep sonorous voice and skillfully crafted gin martinis. Dick touched countless lives in his personal and professional life, and will be greatly missed.

Gifts can be made in Dick’s memory to the Catholic Charities of Los Angeles at https://catholiccharitiesla.org/donate/Services will be held at Pacific View Memorial Park, Corona Del Mar, on Sunday, January 28 at 2:00pm.