RIP Christopher Rock
Retired New York State Trooper Christopher Philip Rock, 59, of Kerhonkson, NY, passed away on Sunday, December 3, 2023, surrounded by his wife, Michele, and retired State Police partner George Okst, honoring Chris’ wish to die at home. Chris endured a hard-fought battle with cancer stemming from his assignment at the World Trade Center following the terrorist attack on September 11th, 2001.
It is genuinely impossible for this obituary to represent and encompass all the things that Chris meant to his peers, closest friends, family, and his wife, Michele.
Chris is survived by his loving and dedicated wife, Michele (Edwards) Rock. Leaving her was the hardest thing he had to do and the reason for his strength and will to live. They shared a journey of love, laughter, and mutual respect, existing as one soul in joy and sorrow. Chris’ friends and her family have encircled Michele since his passing, from which she draws faith and strength. Death is a thief, but Chris’ spirit for life and commitment to friends and family will live on forever.
Chris was loved and respected by his family and extended relatives, along with an inner circle family of peers and friends forged from years together. Chris always said that strength comes from family and friends, and it was this strength that kept him strong for so long. Chris’ inner circle of friends, Retired State Police partner George, Roy, fellow racer and racing right-hand man at the track, and Joe, the best man of their wedding, were with him and Michele until he could fight no more. Mike and his son Santino enjoyed visits with Chris and spent countless hours texting and communicating stories and experiences. Mike possessed a part of Chris’ racing spirit, and Santino was Chris’ protégé from when he was five years old. Santino’s success as an IndyCar driver was a source of pride and joy for Chris.
Chris began training with the New York State Police at Brockport and was sworn into the State Police on March 30, 1987. He was assigned to Troop F in Ellenville, New York. In the early 1990s, Chris was assigned to the HAZMAT Detail, and in 1997, the Commercial Vehicle Enforced Unit (CVEU) was formed. In 2005, he was promoted to Technical Sergeant and assigned to Field Command -Traffic. He continued his career as the Program Manager for the Division Scales, Weights, and Measures division before retiring in September 2013. He dedicated 26 years of service to New York and the State Police.
Chris had a true passion for racing across many different forms of motorsports. This stretched across Racing Karts, RC Cars, and, more recently, the Spec Mazda Miata series. Racing took him not only across the United States but also Italy and England on many famous race courses. As part of Chris’ accomplishments, he won the EZ Kart finals in America and was sent to Italy to represent the USA. Chris’ drive to win was contagious and tireless. He was so passionate about racing that as years progressed, Chris began to mentor drivers and mechanics. This mentoring turned into Chris Rock Motorsports. Many drivers Chris mentored have moved upward to other forms of professional motorsports, including Santino Ferrucci, who now competes in the Indy and NASCAR racing series.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, December 11th, 2023, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Parker Bros. Memorial Funeral Home, 2013 Broadway, Watervliet, NY 12189. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 11 a.m. at St. Pius X Church, 23 Crumitie Rd, Loudonville, NY, 1221. Private interment for the family will follow.
For those wishing to remember Chris, please consider donations to the American Cancer Society, 1 Penny Lane, Latham, NY, 12110.
Memories and accolades have flooded Michele and family with happy memories of Chris’ successes on the track, in his profession as a State Trooper, and remembering his love for family and friends. Please visit the Parker Bros. Memorial website at parkerbrosmemorial.com to share a memory and hear from Chris’ family and friends.
Many thanks to the team at Memorial Sloan Kettering, and special love to Dr. Lara Dunn, Dr. Jennifer Cracchiolo, and PA Melissa Carmody. Marvia, your weekly visits meant so much to us; your caring encouragement was contagious. Together, the tireless support we received gave us peace and comfort throughout Chris’ illness. For that, our family is truly grateful.
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