Sir,

I write to you having just learned of Father Dennis' passing. I'm numb. Words fail me. I met Father Dennis when he was the Catholic Chaplain at Quantico. I was a fallen away Catholic. At a particularly low point in life, a friend asked me to attend noon Mass with her at the Marine Memorial Chapel at Quantico. Something happened that day - I was drawn in. I started attending daily Mass. Soon after, Father Dennis stopped me after Mass and asked me why I wasn't receiving Communion. I explained that I had been away from the Church, and that I hadn't been to confession in years. We sat in the sacristy for some time, during which I confessed, and Father Dennis gave me absolution. I had dinner with Father Dennis frequently, and he played a big part in my parents coming back to the Church. They saw how important the Church was to me, and they were looking for some peace in their own lives. Father Dennis was my confirmation sponsor, as well as the priest that confirmed my nephew. He was bigger than life to me.

My return to the Church was to be the beginning of a spiritual journey that took me from Government employment at Quantico to Saint Anselm Abbey, Manchester, New Hampshire. Father Dennis was a mentor to me. He cared. I hadn't talked to him in many years. I left the Abbey, and our lives took different paths. I always wanted to be a better friend to Father Dennis. I got more from him than I gave. I regretted that at the time, and I regret it even more today.

I don't know any of his family members. If you do, please let them know that Father Dennis was the best man I've ever known, and he will remain in my prayers forever.

Respectfully,
Scott Bishop

10 November. The birthday of the United States Marine Corps, an annual celebration second only to Christmas in the hearts of Marines and their families. Although respected by the Navy, it's a day that's usually just noted rather than observed. Except by the late Fr. Dennis Rocheford, CDR, CHC, USN (Ret.)

Fr. Rocheford was a Naval Officer on the outside but a Marine on the inside. And on the very deepest inside, he was a Catholic priest, a man of God.

Veteran, hero, saint, humorist, friend, mentor, officer, trooper, dispenser of Sacraments and wisdom, of jokes and hugs, tears and laughter, Fr. Dennis will never be forgotten by anyone who knew him. Next to Fr. Vincent Cappodanno, Fr. Dennis was the original Grunt Padre. He was tender and funny and kind and strong. He was everyone's handsome, holy hero. If only he had known in life how much he was loved and admired. I think he knows it now, and I think that God enfolded him in an embrace that healed his selfless, troubled soul and said, "Welcome to my Kingdom, Fr. Dennis. You have served well. You have been Semper Fidelis."

Gay Moore
Camp Lejeune, NC 1987-1989