Charles T. Rockwell, Sr

Charles T. “Ching” Rockwell, Sr., after a long battle against lung cancer, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026, surrounded by family. Ching lived life on his own terms, enjoying many years spent hunting and fishing and teaching these skills to his children and grandchildren. The majority of his youth was spent living in Wynantskill which is where he remained raising his family of 5 while operating his own licensed plumbing and heating business and more recently for 25 years worked as a court officer for the Town of North Greenbush.

Ching was born in Troy, New York to Arthur Murray & Elizabeth St. John Rockwell. He leaves behind his wife of 63 years Donna L. Rockwell. His daughters Tammy (Rocco) Fragomeni, Renee Goyer (Tracy Kohls), Dawn Rockwell-Pompey, his grandchildren & great grandchildren, and his brothers David Rockwell of New Mexico and Terry (Judith) Rockwell of North Carolina and many nieces & nephews. Ching was predeceased by his daughter Pam Rockwell, son Charles T. Rockwell, Jr., and sisters Joan Milanese, Barbara Medici, brothers Arthur M. Rockwell, Jr., James R. Rockwell & William D. Rockwell. 

Ching was a lifelong member of the Wynantskill Fire Department, having enjoyed many years alongside the volunteers who served the community of Wynantskill. As an avid sportsman, he was a life member and served as president for 25 years of the Hendrick Hudson Fish and Game Club. He was also a member of the American Legion, a past member of the Bailey Mountain Fish & Game Club, life member of the Troy Elks, past president of Evergreen Cemetery Association, a member of The First Reformed Church of Wynantskill, and a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. Over the years he served as a Commissioner of Sewers in Rensselaer County.

For years Ching enjoyed early morning coffee with his nephews and friends in the Stewart’s parking lot, where they told tall tales and shared many laughs. When he could no longer make his daily trip to Stewart’s, he was grateful to John, who brought him a coffee and doughnut every morning. He especially enjoyed the visits when Michael would accompany John.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, April 10th from 4-7 service at 7:00 pm all at the Wynantskill Funeral Home 294 Whiteview Road, Wynantskill. Burial will be held privately at Evergreen Cemetery Main Avenue, Wynantskill.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the  Double H Ranch: Adirondack Camp for Seriously Ill Children located in Lake Luzerne, NY.

His daughters Tammy and Renee want to express their gratitude to Rensselaer County Hospice for their support and assistance. Also thank you to the generous support of those who attended or supported his fundraiser. Lastly, a heartfelt thank you to Darlene for her kindness, care and time throughout his illness.

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