Fidel Rocha Obituary (1946 - 2024)

Fidel Gonzales Rocha, 77, born on October 6, 1946 in Houston, Texas passed away on May 31, 2024, at his home in Texas City, Tx. He is preceded in death by his parents, Abel Hernandez Rocha and Adell Gonzales Rocha and brother, Daniel Rocha. Fidel left behind his wife of 30 years, Rachel Reyna Ramirez Rocha of Texas City, TX, sister Cynthia (Rick Garcia) of Arlington, Tx, 2 brothers Ruben (Rozelle) of McKinney, TX and Abel James (Theresa) of Pearland, Tx, daughter Lori Preston (Danny) of League City, TX, son Dan Rocha of Tomball, Tx. He leaves behind cousins, nieces and nephews. His wishes were to be cremated. Fidel graduated from Milby High School in 1965. Following high school graduation, he began his employment career at Hughes Tool - Houston. He pursued his pipefitter/welder apprenticeship at Todd Shipyard in Galveston, Tx, where he achieved his pipefitter/welder certification. He then began a new career at GAF in Texas City, and ultimately pursued a career at Monsanto Chemicals (Sterling Chemicals). He remained at Sterling until retirement. While at Sterling, he met and married his wife, Rachel. Although he retired from Sterling, he was not ready for stay-at-home retirement and pursued his long-time passion, ‘Golf’. He went to work for Bayou Golf Course in Texas City, for 14 years. At Bayou Golf Course he became a certified golf instructor where he was extremely successful at teaching the game. Today, there are many young people enjoying the game of golf, who he instructed as high school students. He also served as Marshal at the Shell Open every year. He was an excellent teacher of the game! He was extremely active, rarely sitting down, only to watch golf and baseball on TV. His hobbies were golf, baseball, fishing, bowling and dancing. Fidel loved the Astros, attending many of the games with his wife, Rachel. He loved Tejano music and enjoyed listening to and dancing with his wife. Fidel will be remembered by his friends and family for his humor and being a total prankster. He was a volunteer firefighter for League City VFD along with being an EMT and even worked on Life Flight with Dr. Red Duke. He had a servant spirit and was always helping people. His children, Lori Preston and Dan Rocha, describe him smelling fire or seeing smoke in the League City – Texas City area and heading in that direction to help. During his last days, his daughter described watching golf on TV with him and he would smile at the good swings and make a disapproving sound if the ball was not hit right. Fidel will be missed immensely but not forgotten as he was a unique individual, loving, kind, funny and life-loving. Special mention goes to his 1st cousin that he grew up with, Helen Valdez, visiting at his bedside in his final days with prayer and encouragement. She served as Fidel’s spiritual rock. The family would also like to sincerely thank his hospice Aide Angela for the wonderful and special care she provided for him, she is truly amazing. There was only one like him. Until we see him again, one sweet day!