Thomas J. Rockett

Thomas J Rockett, Ph.D. of East Greenwich, RI and Grantham, NH died on September 19, 2024. He was born in Medford, MA on June 4, 1934 to the late John F and Agnes (Connor) Rockett. He was the husband of Sarah Hough Rockett married for 60 years this October. He was predeceased by his son Andrew F. Rockett and is survived by his son Matthew T. Rockett and his wife Marie of Hull MA, Andrew’s wife Lisa of Duxbury MA, and son Daniel P. Rockett of East Greenwich. He was the cherished grandfather of Ryan, Sarah, Frankie and Rae Rockett. He is also survived by his brothers Frances X. Rockett, MD of Brookline MA, Richard X. Rockett (Donna) of Framingham MA, and brothers-in-law Ralph D. Hough (Susan) of Grantham, NH and brother in law Kevin D. Hough (Barbara) of Eureka, KA. He was predeceased by his brother John F. Rockett Jr., his sister, Agnes Rockett-Bolduc, sisters in law Ann Rockett and Barbara Rockett MD, and is survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

Dr. Rockett was a graduate of Tufts University and received his Master’s degree in Geo-Physics from Boston College and his Ph.D. in Mineralogy and Mineral engineering from The Ohio State University in 1963.  He began his formal career with the Air Force Research Lab at Wright –Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, working on early applications of space probes and ceramic heat shields in connection with the Apollo space program.  He then moved to Monsanto as a research scientist, then to American Hospital Supply working specifically on the materials for the Starr Edwards Heart Valve and other medical devices.

In 1971 Dr. Rockett accepted a position as a Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Rhode Island. He thoroughly enjoyed teaching and working with his students in his research Lab. He served as Chair of the Chemical Engineering department and went on to assume the position of Vice Provost for Research and Dean of the Graduate School. He would come to take and spread great joy with his notably short commencement speeches using his love of movies and music to offer life lessons to the graduates.

After his retirement, he was appointed by Governor Donald Carcieri to the Board of Governors for Higher Education and served on that board until 2011. He was a founding member of the URI Research Foundation, a founding member of the RI Science and Technology Advisory Council, and on the Board of the East Greenwich Library.

Tom was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend.  A “Man for All Seasons,” he was a devout Catholic, a wonderful Little League coach, an incredibly well-read person… with a penchant for quoting his favorite poets and song writers. He loved the camaraderie of his Tuesday Lunch Group and his monthly Poker Group which still goes on today after 50 years. He loved coaching his sons’ Little League teams and cheering them on at any of their events at Bishop Hendriken HS, Boston College, and Tufts. In his later years he enjoyed watching his grandchildren; encouraging and praising all in their academic, athletic, and artistic pursuits.   He was a lifelong fan of all New England sports teams. He treasured his days traveling, skiing’ swimming, eating and laughing with family and friends. Throughout his life he found great joy on the golf course. He pursued that joy to his last day playing his final round at his favorite golf course, Eastman Golf Links in New Hampshire.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, September, 26th at 11:00am at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 65 Third St., East Greenwich, RI.  Burial will be in St. Patrick Cemetery, East Greenwich, RI. Calling hours:  Wednesday, September 25th from 5-7pm at the Hill Funeral Home, 822 Main St. East Greenwich, RI.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to his endowed fund at the University of Rhode Island, The Sarah and Thomas Rockett Endowment.  Payable to the URI Foundation Alumni and Engagement, PO Box 1700, Kingston RI 02881 or online at   URI.edu/giving (search for the “Sarah and Thomas Rockett Endowment”), or…to the East Greenwich Little League, East Greenwich Recreation 1127 Frenchtown Rd. East Greenwich RI, 02818 with a note to indicate that it is a Little League donation in memory of Thomas J Rockett.