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Henry Rocha Obituary
updated: Sep 18, 2012, 9:26 AM
By Edhat Subscriber
(09/22/1921 - 09/13/2012)
90 years old, and a longtime resident of Santa Barbara, died peacefully in the company of his family on
September 13, 2012.
Henry was born to Jose and Carmen Rocha in Durango, Mexico but came as a 2-year old to live his
lifetime in Santa Barbara. He attended Lincoln Elementary, SB Junior and SB High schools. Soon after, he
began to work at the Johnson Lemon Packing facility where he met his future wife Concha. Henry was
drafted into the Army at the time of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He served in the forces for two years
and later joined the US Navy for an additional nine years. His travels took him to Africa, Korea and Italy
where he proudly became a US Citizen. After serving our country he came back and worked in machine
shop and electronics.
"Hank" was happily married 61 years to ‘Tia Concha and was a proud father and roller skating teacher to
the batty twins Charlie and Arthur. Formal, soft-spoken and friendly, Henry's favorite activities were
volleyball, water skiing, the beach and traveling. For 16 consecutive years he traveled to Cancun and
rain or shine he was the last one off the beach before enjoying the company of his native friends. Later
he would travel to Europe and in his last trip to Italy in 2003 he visited Florence, Tuscany, Piacenza and
Montecatini where at the foot of the "Horse and Wings' statue he fondly and sadly but proudly,
remembered his days in the military.
At home Tio Henry enjoyed driving his Yellow Challenger to the beach, watching classic John Wayne
movies, listening to his 78's collection, visiting with his grandkids and occasionally dedicated Por unos
Ojos Verdes to his lovely wife. Henry leaves a legacy of respect, discipline, ethics and always doing the
right thing.
Henry was preceded in death by his parents Jose and Carmen and his brother Benjamin. He is survived
by his wife Concha Rocha; sons Charlie and Arthur; and also leaves behind his grandson Danny Rocha
(wife Kelli) and granddaughter Rae Ann Westlake Rocha and great grandkids Thomas Henry and
Harrison Patrick Rocha, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Henry Rocha, you may be in heaven now but on earth you will not be forgotten. Your loving extended
family prays the Padre Nuestro on your behalf. Until we meet again!
The rosary will be prayed on Wednesday, September 19th at 7 pm at Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapel,
15 E. Sola. Mass services will be on Thursday at Our Lady of Guadalupe church at 10:00 a.m.
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