ROCHFORD, EDWARD JAMES

ROCHFORD, EDWARD JAMES, 89, of Cape May passed away suddenly on February 20, 2014. He was born in West Orange on August 12, 1924 to Winifred and Thomas Rochford. Ed grew up in West Orange and graduated from Immaculate Conception High School, Montclair in 1941. He enlisted in the U.S. Army two years later, serving in Europe in the armored division until 1946. He married Eleanor Albrecht of Maplewood in 1945. Upon returning from service he entered Seton Hall University in South Orange and received a Bachelor of Science degree in health and physical education. It was followed by a master degree in guidance at Columbia University. He joined the Essex County Vocational Technical Education District as a teacher, and moved through the post of physical education instructor and guidance counselor to principal, until he retired in 1987. He balanced his scholastic studies with athletics and became both a basketball and baseball high school varsity coach. He became a distinguished basketball official in both high school and college level highlighted by officiating at a NCAA Tournament in Madison Square Garden. He received many awards over his basketball career most notably he was one of six men throughout the U.S. and Canada to gain Honorary Life Membership in the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials (IAABO). He retired and moved from West Orange to Cape May in July, 1987. He quickly became involved in the community, and many dubbed him the Mayor of Tranquility. He was an active member of St. John of God Catholic Church in North Cape May. Ed was a loyal 26 year member of the Cape May Kiwanis Club. He enthusiastically involved himself with the members and many activities including many youth programs, like the BUG program and Conversation Comrades at Cape May City Elementary and Lower Township Elementary Schools. He could always be seen helping out with the Easter Egg Hunt and selling tickets at the annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast. He enjoyed the fellowship of the Kiwanians and was especially fond of the poker games after the meetings. Ed will be missed by his loving family including Eleanor, his spouse of 69 years, his two sons, Edward (Elaine) Rochford, and Dr. James (Marilou) Rochford, three grandchildren, Dr. Christopher, Sean (Shannon), and Caitlin Rochford, and one great grandchild, Autumn Rose. Visitation at the Spilker Funeral Home, 815 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ on Monday evening (February 24) from 6 to 8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Washington St. Mall, Cape May, NJ at 9:30AM on Tuesday (February 25). Burial to follow at Cold Spring Veterans Field of Honor, Cold Spring, NJ. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Cape May Kiwanis Club Foundation, PO Box 124, Cape May, NJ 08204. Info and condolences: spilkerfuneralhome.com