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This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Roc Bradford, 68, born on July 21, 1947 and passed away on September 18, 2015. We will remember him forever.


Roc Vaughn Bradford, 68, of Rockford, IL went home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 18, 2015. Roc was born to Dorothy (Fiskbach) and Orlie Bradford on July 21, 1947 in Rockford, IL and graduated from West High School in 1965.

First and foremost, Roc was a Christian. He loved Jesus Christ and lived his life according to his principles. He recently joined the choir at First Free Evangelical and enjoyed every moment of singing with his brothers and sisters in Christ.

As his many friends (and many strangers) can attest, he greatly enjoyed talking to people. His soft eyes, warm smile, and enthusiasm for so many things brightened many days.

He was born with a love of language. Studying English at the University of Illinois and NIU, it was not uncommon to find him reading Canterbury Tales in the Old English to his children before bed.

He was proud of Rockford’s history and heritage. He took full advantage of all of its cultural opportunities, spending afternoons at Nicholas Conservatory and attending plays at Rock Valley College with his wife.

He was more well-traveled than he cared to admit, taking trips to Hong Kong and San Francisco as a young adult, South Carolina and Georgia with his wife, and down the East Coast in his treasured Polo Green Corvette with his son.

One of his greatest joys was tinkering in the garage of his beautiful house. Frequent trips to Menards prove that there wasn’t a tool that he didn’t love. He would spend hours tending the lawn and garden of what would become his dream home.

Roc is loved and will be missed by his wife, Louise (Lou) of Rockford; son, David of Reston, VA; daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly (Kimby) and Jeremy Burke of Fort Worth, TX; grandchildren, Brady and Corbin; father, Orlie of Rockford; brothers, Jerry (and Hazel) of South Beloit, Rory (and Sharon) of Davis, and Brian of Rockford; and extended family. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother Dorothy.

A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at First Free Evangelical Church, 2223 N. Mulford Road in Rockford. Visitation will commence one hour prior to the service.

September 18, 2022
September 18, 2022
I am in Rockford this weekend to visit with some of our West High Warriors. I am remembering you, today! RIP
Linda A White Jarrells
July 21, 2020
July 21, 2020
I didn't know of his passing-I lived in Texas at the time of his death. I am part of the class "65"-may he be celebrating his birthday-
July 21, 2020
July 21, 2020
Happy birthday in Heaven, Roc. You will be sorely missed if we have another class reunion this year. One is planned but with this novel virus still swirling and rearing its ugly head, it will probably be cancelled or postponed until things are in control. You would be amazed at all the sharing and caring going on again in our world. Strife is out weighed by good even when it is most difficult. We had a great class filled with wonderful friends and acquaintances. Rest well, Roc Bradford, knowing you did your best and were loved and appreciated by many. You will never be forgotten.
September 22, 2015
September 22, 2015
I am Linda A White Jarrells. Roc was in my West High School graduating class. I am especially sorry to hear that he died during our 50th class reunion weekend. I remember Roc as being a very warm, intelligent and fun-loving young man. My prayers for peace and comfort are with family and friends. May you feel God's loving arms around you.
September 22, 2015
September 22, 2015
Roc described himself as "somewhat of a nerd" in high school! I knew Roc at ROCKFORD West '65, as "one if the nice boys", always courteous, polite and kind to all. Lost touch... Fast forward 50 yrs and with our 50th high school reunion coming up, we met up once again on Facebook. All I can say is wow, guess while walking the path of life, we all change and are molded, and the posts we exchanged showed such a different, humorous and inspiring side of Roc, I never had the pleasure to enjoy. I believe both of us were looking forward to reconnecting ar the reunion, something that never was meant to be, as God had bigger and better plans for Roc on that Sat. Night, Sept. 18. Till we meet again Warrior, in a better place and a better time. God saw fit to bring one of his angels home the eve of our reunion!

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September 18, 2022
September 18, 2022
I am in Rockford this weekend to visit with some of our West High Warriors. I am remembering you, today! RIP
Linda A White Jarrells
July 21, 2020
July 21, 2020
I didn't know of his passing-I lived in Texas at the time of his death. I am part of the class "65"-may he be celebrating his birthday-
July 21, 2020
July 21, 2020
Happy birthday in Heaven, Roc. You will be sorely missed if we have another class reunion this year. One is planned but with this novel virus still swirling and rearing its ugly head, it will probably be cancelled or postponed until things are in control. You would be amazed at all the sharing and caring going on again in our world. Strife is out weighed by good even when it is most difficult. We had a great class filled with wonderful friends and acquaintances. Rest well, Roc Bradford, knowing you did your best and were loved and appreciated by many. You will never be forgotten.
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