Enjoyed traveling and history
NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI — Randal “Randy” John Rocha, 61, a longtime resident of North Kingstown, RI passed away peacefully after a long illness on July 27. He was surrounded by his loving family.
Randy was born on February 9, 1963 to Manuel and the late Ann Rocha. He was raised in Melrose with his four siblings. As a child, Randy displayed natural abilities that developed into exceptional skills which enabled him to letter in track, hockey and football at Melrose High School where he graduated in 1981. His supportive parents fostered Randy’s athletic goals. They willingly converted their pristine back yard into an ice rink where Randy and his neighborhood friends could skate. They did not even seem to mind repairing broken windows caused by flying pucks over the years or so the story goes. Randy earned a full scholarship to the University of Rhode Island for football. His team earned three Yankee Conference titles and Randy was inducted into the University’s Hall of Fame. Most important to Randy was the lifelong friendships that he enjoyed with his teammates. As recently as June, Randy was able to attend an event at URI with his former teammates where stories of high hilarity were joyfully exchanged.
Randy had a keen eye for detail. He majored in Landscape Architecture and owned a business in the industry that specialized in land reclamation through hydroseed application. In 1989, Randy met his loving wife Nancy (Marcaccio) Rocha. The couple raised two daughters Meridith and Caroline together and it would be an understatement to say that Randy was the ultimate girl dad! Much like their father, the girls excelled in athletics. Randy was a fixture at their lacrosse and hockey games as well as at their many horse shows around New England.
Randy enjoyed traveling near and far with his family. He was well read in history and his intense knowledge of the subject further enhanced his travel experiences. Randy and Nancy shared a love of the sea. They spent many days exploring beaches and coastlines of New England with their much loved chihuahua Stella and found comfort in their long walks during Randy’s illness.
Randy is survived by his adoring wife Nancy; his devoted daughters Meridith and Caroline Rocha; his loving father Manuel Rocha; his siblings Pamela Ledbury (Todd); Ronald Rocha (Christine); Polly O’Brien (Michael); and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother Ann (Kilfoyle) Rocha and his brother Raymond Rocha.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Incarnation Church, 429 Upham St., Melrose on Saturday, August 3 at 12 p.m. Donations in Randy’s memory may be made to the Rhode Island Hospital Lifespan Cancer Institute, Development Office, PO Box H, Providence, RI 02901. Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the Urquhart-Murphy Funeral Home, 800 Greenwich Ave., Warwick, RI. Visit murphyfuneralhomes.org.
