Welcome to the memorial page for
Philo Rockwell "Rock" King Jr.
September 21, 1923 ~ February 26, 2016 (age 92) 92 Years Old Light a Candle
Leave a Condolence
Message from Rosemarie
June 27, 2023 4:35 PM
May eternal light shine upon him and all of our dearly departed.
Message from Jim Drude
April 12, 2023 11:08 PM
Rocky, I'm reading your obituary years after you've passing. If you can see this... thank you for all the laughs that you made happen. RIP Rocky.
A candle was lit by Linda and Paul
on February 5, 2023 1:01 AM
Message from Robert Salo
October 16, 2018 5:49 PM
I hope it is okay to send you all my best wishes and condolences, as I never so much had even seen Rock's shows, much less meeting him. Ever. I am heartbroken because he has taken a part of my heart and childhood with him. My parents took my family for 2 weeks every July since I was born until 1976. We still never missed a summer since....except for myself. I stopped visiting the Cape when it started to modernize, losing (for me) the flavor of old coastal New England (no other state ever having matched the Cape). My ex and my children went to the Maine coast starting in 1990, which I have visited every summer since. It is a fantastic place to this day, yet falls short of the Cape Cod of the 70s, which I remember best. I visited the Cape with my own entire family around 2000, and was stunned to still see the ad board touting Rock King as the entertainer at the Sand Bar!!!!! He seemed timeless, and if I recall correctly his board may have still been there when I took my dad, for what became his last visit to the Cape, July 2011. On my next visit, I will drive by and will be upset not seeing his name like I'd had for decades (I turn 60 next year). I will bet the rest of my life's pay that others will be in my boat as well, even those of us who never met him. The Cape without Rock King?!? I have a feeling that everyone above is having a grand ol' time with the Rock and always will. Sign board included? If he left that behind, put it in a museum at some point...the Smithsonian would be most appropriate. You all have my DEEPEST sympathies and condolences, even a few years after his departure to better pastures. I would not have known of his passing had I not Googled his name out of curiosity after having just made an eBay purchase of a drinking glass with his image on it. My first drink in it will be a toast to a Cape Cod legend, the legendary Rockwell king. PS: I thank him for having served in WW II. People like him made people like me free to do as I do, and I have neither the courage nor fortitude to act as he had done.
Message from Steve and Margaret Dodd
March 17, 2016 10:15 PM
So sorry to learn of Rock's passing. We always enjoyed seeing him at the Sandbar, and hearing his piano next door. Loved introducing our kids to his Boogie Woogie and his humor. Our sincere sympathy to you, Pat, and prayers for Rock and for you.
Message from Vermont
March 15, 2016 11:14 AM
He was a gift and he is, and will be missed. John and Julianne Mackey
Message from Murrells Inlet, SC
March 10, 2016 10:48 AM
The Lighthouse Inn will never be the same without Rock E
A candle was lit by Kathy & David Kenney
on March 10, 2016 10:47 AM
Message from bob and judy allen
March 8, 2016 1:29 PM
were heartbroken
Message from hilary virginia greene
March 8, 2016 8:56 AM
Our Cape Cod lives will never be the same without Rock...he is greatly missed. I loved playing in so many golf tournaments at Hyannisport with him- he was so very serious about his golf game and always pushed me to play better, even in his late 80s, when I kind of thought I might have the advantage...We never made it to one of the championship plaques at Hyannisport Club but got darn close over 20 years of tryingg My whole family loved Rock very much and hearing him at the Sand Bar, having him at our weddings or cocktail parties or dinners...Much love to Patti and all his family (besides us!) and Rock, I know heaven is a much funnier and more musical place now that you have joined their ranks...
A candle was lit by hilary virginia greene
on March 8, 2016 8:52 AM
Message from Linda and family and friends
March 7, 2016 10:58 PM
We will always have fond memories of Rock at the Sand Bar - he made us laugh so much! Great memories of the Cape included seeing Rocky! We were fortunate to even go to his home after a show when he was a widower - we followed him home - he was on a bike! Lots of laughs with my Mom and cousin - thanks for the everlasting memories Rock - I'm sure there's a Sandbar where you are!
Message from ji peabody
March 7, 2016 5:04 PM
Rock played the Commodore up in Beverly , I bartended many of his nights,
always made em laugh great guy
great sense humor.....
the Dr. Phone Calls were the best...
RIP Rock
always made em laugh great guy
great sense humor.....
the Dr. Phone Calls were the best...
RIP Rock
Message from PA
March 8, 2016 9:00 AM
"Missed it by that much!"
A candle was lit by Kaitlyn
on March 7, 2016 1:04 PM
Message from Kim Greene
March 7, 2016 8:52 AM
Rock was married to my mother's cousin until 1980 when she passed away. He was an integral part of our family on Cape Cod. We will never forget how much fun we all had at the Sandbar listening to Rock and also at Sister Kate's. I always loved his song, "My Room" which he wrote (as he said) "before the well of creativity dried up." He was a wonderful storyteller and a terrific piano player. He also was one of my Dad's best friends and golf partners. And he played at my wedding, much to the delight of our guests. I will always remember the line out the door at the Sandbar, filled with happy people waiting to see Rock's show. There will never be another Rock, ever.
Message from tommy twilite
March 5, 2016 5:46 PM
There will never be another Rock King. God Bless him! A great inspiration to all of his fans, especially me.........
A candle was lit by tommy twilite
on March 5, 2016 5:44 PM
Message from Cape Cod
March 5, 2016 9:49 AM
first off thank you for your service in WW.II
you will be missed at the Sand Bar. I took my wife on our first date to see you and went every summer at least once. I still steal your jokes.....Buddy Hackett had nothin' on you.
you were a wonderful man to talk to.
Thanks to your family who shared you with us.
you will be missed at the Sand Bar. I took my wife on our first date to see you and went every summer at least once. I still steal your jokes.....Buddy Hackett had nothin' on you.
you were a wonderful man to talk to.
Thanks to your family who shared you with us.
Message from Rae
March 5, 2016 6:13 AM
Rock,
Thank you for all the summer years of entertaining at The Sand Bar. You were the greatest!
Thank you for all the summer years of entertaining at The Sand Bar. You were the greatest!
Message from Barry
March 4, 2016 1:08 PM
Entertained our family since the 1960's RIP
Message from joe lauria
March 4, 2016 8:16 AM
We have so many great memories of the wonderful nights at Sister Kate's or the Sand Bar with Rocky. The best story teller in the world! And what a fantastic genius on the ivories! So many great stories & while others tried no one could do the backwards Cinderella like Rocky. I will treasure my 3 albums by him and am playing one now with a drink hand as a fond remembrance.
Joe & Flo
Joe & Flo
Message from Marie and Jack Susen
March 3, 2016 8:08 PM
So sorry to hear of Rocky's passing. Fond memories of him performing at the Majestic Theater in West Springfield and we so enjoyed having him stay with us during those performances. The Cape and its many visitors will forever remember him at the Sand Bar. Our sincere condolences to his family. Boogie woogie blues, Dr. Smith jokes and the famous telephone will be a hit in the heavens.
Message from Dennis & Marcia Brobst
March 3, 2016 12:01 PM
From an old time bartender at the Sand Bar -- so many terrific memories with a very special entertainer and friend. When we meet again, please play "Olive Tree" for me once more. Condolences to all of the family.
Message from Joel Brown
March 3, 2016 11:21 AM
Thank you Rock for making the world a better place than you found it.
Message from Paul Adams
March 2, 2016 5:22 PM
My prayers and condolences to Rock's family. I cannot imagine the number of lives Rock touched and affected in some way. It was my pleasure to have worked with him briefly at the Sand Bar, while my Dad shared many years of music, and humor, and even a glass or two, as an aficionado of Rock! I am confident that when he runs into Rock in that celestial saloon in the sky, he will request to hear "Old Man River". Rock will respond by turning off all but one spot light, wait for the crowd to settle down, and then do what he always did best; entertain the crowd! And I am confident that everyone will remember to "lay something on the bar besides their elbow"!
Message from Marion Manes
March 2, 2016 10:35 PM
Condolences to Patty & family for their loss--indeed everyone's loss. Rocky was a unique performer,and always a gentleman.Bob Kirby a partner at Sister Kate;s in Stowe,Vt,suggested that my husband Chuck & I see Rocky at the Sandbar when we retired to the Cape in 1963.We developed a friendship of many years golfing,partying,&laughing. He'll always be remembered for his faultless delivery of comedy & BoogieWoogie.Rest in peace,Rock--you;ve earned it!
Message from Nancy Sakaduski
March 2, 2016 3:59 PM
I never even got to see him in person, but he was a legend in our family. My parents saw him every time we visited West Dennis. My father (92) has tapes, a souvenir glass, video, and can recite many of his most popular jokes (we all can). Every time people visit, my Dad he brings out the Rock King tapes. Young and old, we never found anyone who didn't laugh out loud. I will not tell my father that Rock King has died--I don't think he could bear it--but he will be greatly, greatly missed by people like us, who Mr. King never knew he entertained (and will continue to entertain) endlessly. I am quite sure we are not alone.
Message from Peter G. Mozzone
March 2, 2016 3:46 PM
Our deepest condolences to Mrs. King and family......
My wife Alicia Kullas and I enjoyed Rocky's Comedy & Music shows at the Ol' Sand Bar on West Dennis Beach for many years, and I was blessed to be able to meet Rock for lunch on occasion after he relocated to the Worcester area. - It's been truly a joy to know him as both a fan and a friend.
Starting a few seasons before he ended his great 54 year run at the SAND BAR, I was able to set up the "Philo Rockwell Rocky" King, 3rd FAN CLUB" on FACEBOOK.
Please join other 'Rocky King' fans there to share fond memories including photos and videos from his performances. Rocky's piano is in the lobby of the Lighthouse Inn, and it's keyboard is silent... but I'll sure bet it could tell some stories!!
My wife Alicia Kullas and I enjoyed Rocky's Comedy & Music shows at the Ol' Sand Bar on West Dennis Beach for many years, and I was blessed to be able to meet Rock for lunch on occasion after he relocated to the Worcester area. - It's been truly a joy to know him as both a fan and a friend.
Starting a few seasons before he ended his great 54 year run at the SAND BAR, I was able to set up the "Philo Rockwell Rocky" King, 3rd FAN CLUB" on FACEBOOK.
Please join other 'Rocky King' fans there to share fond memories including photos and videos from his performances. Rocky's piano is in the lobby of the Lighthouse Inn, and it's keyboard is silent... but I'll sure bet it could tell some stories!!
Message from Dave Soby
March 2, 2016 3:40 PM
RIP. I have many memories seeing you at the Sandbar. My new wife and I used to go to see you with my parents when we would visit them in Dennisport. They talked about you often.
Message from Rosemarie Jauch
March 2, 2016 1:13 PM
May Eternal Light shine upon him.
Message from Joan Wrenn
March 2, 2016 11:24 AM
Condolences to Rocky's family. My late husband and I, our multitude of friends in the Worcester area, would all go to see his performances in Worcester at restaurant on W. Boylston St. (can't remember name of it now). We laughed, sang along with his songs, laughed some more and ALWAYS went home satisfied. He was a joy to watch and to listen to.Thank you, Rocky, for a wonderful life spent entertaining us! Joan Wrenn, Worcester & Clearwater, FL.
C
C
Message from The Kennelly Family
March 2, 2016 8:36 AM
Rock gave us so many memories of the times we spent at the Sand Bar. RIP Rock, you were a wonderful man and entertainer.
© 2024 Graham Putnam & Mahoney Funeral Parlors. All Rights Reserved. Funeral Home website by CFS & TA | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility