Obituary of Robert Eugene Rocque

Robert Eugene (Gene) Rocque left to join Jesus in Heaven on February 1, 2011. Gene was a prostate cancer survivor and he had been battling Parkinson's disease for over ten years. His strength to fight these debilitating diseases came from his deep Catholic faith and the support of his large family and many friends. Gene will be remembered for his commanding presence, blanketed with gentle and tireless love. He was born in Whitehall, NY on December 12, 1924. Retired Major, Gene Rocque lived his passion for flying by serving his country as a pilot, in the USAF. This was followed by a prestigious 20 year career as an engineer and public relations VIP liaison for NASA. Gene also gave his heart and talents to support a multitude of civic and volunteer endeavors, including Right to Life, American Cancer Society's Man to Man, Satellite Beach City Council, Rocky Water Cloggers, and many more. Gene was predeceased by his brother Paul Rocque of Old Bridge, NJ. Gene is survived by his beautiful and loving wife of 63 years, Helene Rocque of Satellite Beach; his brother, Warren Rocque of Barneveld, NY; and his seven children, Bob Rocque, David Rocque, Dan Rocque, Jamie Rocque, Suzanne Frazier, Marc Rocque, and Teresa Beyer, all of Central Florida. Gene's legacy will live on through his 17 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Visitation hours will be held at Beach Funeral Home in Indian Harbor Beach from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Saturday, February 5 and include a memorial tribute starting at 2:00 PM. A funeral Mass will be held at the Chapel of the Holy Family in Melbourne at 9:00 AM on Monday, February 7. Following the Mass, there will be a private burial with military honors at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gene's honor to the American Cancer Society's Man to Man.