Ralph P. Rochon

With a journey that spanned times of great change in the world around him, Ralph Rochon lived a life of purpose filled with the people and experiences he loved. He was a family man through and through with a deep devotion to his wife, children, and grandchildren. Ralph was a man of many talents, and he enjoyed using his talents to pursue his passion of restoring old cars. A longtime resident of the community he loved, he made the most of the days he was given. Deeply loved, Ralph will be forever missed.

The 1930s were some of the most trying days we have faced as a nation as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. Few jobs, a soaring unemployment rate, and a middle class that was disintegrating were among the signs of the time. Things only became more dire when a drought covered the nation’s heartland for nearly two years during this time. Despite the circumstances around them, Henry Peter "Pete" and Elizabeth (Van Maldeghem) Rochon were able to focus on an exciting time in their own lives as they celebrated the birth of the baby boy they named Ralph P. on August 8, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan. He was one of three boys as he was raised on his grandfather’s farm alongside his brothers, Harold and John, during his earliest years. Ralph’s father worked as a stationary engineer while his mother was a busy homemaker who focused her time and attention on her home and family. In 1942, their family moved to East Detroit.

In many ways Ralph was a typical young boy of his generation. He attended local schools, and in high school he ran track and also played the saxophone in the high school band. Ralph enjoyed racing and rolling cars, including a Hudson. Ralph graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School in 1953, and from there he earned his Associate of Engineering Degree in Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technology from LIT in 1957. As a young man, Ralph also served as a Navy Reservist from 1953 through 1961.

Throughout his life Ralph was one to work hard and gave everything his all. He worked as a chief facilities engineer at various locations including Annapolis Hospital, Town Center, Edison, Chrysler, and Blue Cross. Ralph also owned and operated RR Refrigeration, Inc and Furnace Works. He retired from the work force in 2009 to enjoy life.

Not to be forgotten during his younger years was Ralph’s introduction to the woman of his dreams in April of 1952. Her name was Corinne Wolf, and they met while returning home from different high schools on the same bus, which was odd. Then, they got off at the same stop, and the rest is history as they say. With a desire to establish a life together, Ralph and Corinne were married in a ceremony held at St. Veronica in East Detroit. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in a love story that would span 57 years. Together they welcomed three children including Peter, Marie, and Steven into their hearts and home. Later in life Ralph was thrilled when his children married, and he was filled with unspeakable joy to become a grandfather to three grandchildren, Stacey, Brian, and Ryan. Every year May 20th was a day that Ralph and Corrine celebrated their commitment to one another as it was the day he proposed in 1959. When they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, they went to stay at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. For their 50th wedding anniversary, Ralph and Corrine celebrated with a cruise to the Western Caribbean.

Always one to be busy, Ralph was a man of many interests. He was passionate about old cars. He restored a 1930 Essex and was an active member of the Hudson-Essex-Terraplane (HET) Club, HET Historical Society, and VMCCA. Ralph enjoyed going to various automobile club activities and shows. Although it has been said that he was rarely one to finish projects, Ralph did design and subcontract their home in Canton when it was completed in 1988. During his younger years, he played hockey and was a goalie before protective gear was worn. With a love for cars, Ralph enjoyed Indy 500 races and even attended two in person. He was interested in family genealogy and started collecting information long before there were computers.

All who knew Ralph P. Rochon would agree that he was truly one of a kind. He worked hard, but he made the time to enjoy life along the way. Ralph treasured his family, and his children and grandchildren were his greatest source of pride and joy. With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around him, he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

Ralph P. Rochon passed away peacefully March 21, 2018. Beloved husband of Corinne for 57 years. Cherished father of Marie (Glenn) Valentine and Steven (Monica) Rochon. Dearest grandfather of Stacey Valentine, Brian Valentine, and Ryan Rochon. A visitation will be held on Tuesday 3-8 p.m. at Neely-Turowski Funeral Home, 45100 Warren Rd., Canton. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday 11 a.m. with an instate 10:30 a.m. at Resurrection Parish, 48755 Warren Rd., Canton. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Monastery of the Blessed Sacrament, 29575 Middlebelt Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334-2311. To share a favorite memory and/or photo of Ralph and to sign the online guestbook, please visit www.turowskilifestory.com