Mr. Steve Rochester

Steve Rochester, 94, husband of seventy-one years to Evelyn Kay Rochester of Seneca, passed away Friday, September 25, 2015, at Brookdale Skilled Nursing Facility in Anderson, SC. A native of Salem, SC, Mr. Rochester was the son of the late Paul Sloan and Lenora Tucker Rochester. He was a U.S. Army veteran and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service as a platoon leader in the infantry during WWII. He received the Purple Heart for injuries received in action and also received five major campaign stars for his service. He retired from the U.S. Army Reserves after twenty-one years. Mr. Rochester graduated from Clemson University with a B.S. and M.S. degree. He worked in education for thirty-five years in Greenville, Dorchester, and Oconee Counties. Mr. Rochester later retired after serving as principal of Northside Elementary School for seventeen years. He was a member of American Legion Post #120, Salem Lions Club, and a charter member of the Oconee Chapter 748 Military Order of the Purple Heart. He helped found Patriots’ Hall: Oconee Veteran Museum. Mr. Rochester served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher, and was a current member of Seneca Baptist Church. Mr. Rochester was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was loyal to God, country, family, his school staff, and the Clemson Tigers. In addition to his wife, Mr. Rochester is survived by his sons: Donald Rochester (Becky) of Seneca and Earl Rochester (Cheryl) of Toccoa, GA; daughter: Judy Quarles (Mike) of Seneca; sister: Sara Connell of Lakeland, FL; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Mr. Rochester was preceded in death by his brothers: Chris Rochester, Bruce Rochester, Oliver Rochester, Eugene Rochester and Dewey Rochester. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 PM, Monday, September 28, 2015, at Davenport Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Oconee Memorial Park. The family will receive friends 12:30-1:30 PM, prior to the service, at Davenport Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Legion Post #120, P.O. Box 204, Seneca, SC 29679. The family is at their respective homes.

Mr. Steve Rochester

February 2, 1921 - September 25, 2015