FLORIDA – Please pray for the repose of the soul of Father Richard V. Rokos, 81, who died March 22, 2011, in Florida. Father Rokos was born June 21, 1929, in Waterville, to Nimon and Mary (Williams) Rokos.
After completing his theological studies and formation at St. Paul’s Seminary, Ottawa, he was ordained to the priesthood by the Most Rev. Daniel J. Feeney at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, May 26, 1956. He served the following parishes: St. Bridget’s Parish, North Vassalboro, Summer 1956; St. Mary’s Parish, Augusta, 1956-1968; St. Mary’s Parish, Bangor, including John Bapst Regional High School, 1968-1969; St. Martha, Kennebunkport, Summer 1969; St. Ann’s Mission, Indian Island, 1969-1972; St. Vincent de Paul, Bucksport, 1972-1978; St. Ann’s Parish, Dexter, 1978-1984; Notre Dame de Lourdes, Skowhegan, 1984-1987; St. Sebastian Parish, Madison, 1986-1987; St. Mary’s Parish, Orono, 1987-1991; and St. Joseph Hospital, Bangor, 1991-2002. Father retired to Florida and volunteered as chaplain for St. Anthony’s Hospital, St. Petersburg, Fla., until 2004. Father Rokos will be sadly missed by many friends in Maine and Florida.
He was predeceased by his parents; a brother, Danny Rokos; and a sister, Julia Normandeau. Surviving are a sister, Linda Rokos; a brother-in-law, H. Sylvio Normandeau; nephews, Roland Normandeau and his wife, Jennifer, and Richard Normandeau and his wife, Nancy; nieces, Rhonda Remick and her husband, Robert, Rebecca Zarko and her husband, David, and Rochelle Loubier and her husband, Ronald; 13 great-nieces and great-nephews, five great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews; and a very good friend and caregiver, Helen Jarvis, who cared for the Rev. Rokos during his time in Florida. Thanks to Suncoast Hospice for care and comfort in his last days.
A reception of the body will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, March 27, at Notre Dame Church, Corpus Christi Parish, Waterville, with Father Joseph Daniels, presiding and preaching. Visitation will be 2-6 p.m. Sunday, March 27, at Notre Dame Church, Corpus Christi Parish, Waterville, where a Mass of Christian burial will be held 10 a.m. Monday, March 28, with the Most Rev. Richard J. Malone to preside and Father Frank Murray to preach. Committal will be immediately after the Mass at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, Waterville, pending accessibility of grave. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Diocese of Portland for the Retired Priest Pension Fund, P.O. Box 11559, Portland, ME 04101 or St. Joseph Hospital, P.O. Box 403, Bangor, ME 04402-0203. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville.