Meet Rocky
Rocky’s journey was one of service, resilience, and mentorship. A proud Army veteran from Lancaster, he faced immense challenges after his life unexpectedly unraveled. Homeless and struggling, Rocky found hope and purpose at Pathways Community Center.
Through support from the Veteran Affairs and a place at the Haven Men’s Shelter, Rocky became a guiding force for others, earning the role of "house dad." For two years, he mentored men on their paths to sobriety and self-reliance while working toward his own fresh start.
Though Rocky bravely battled the complexities of addiction, he tragically lost his life to alcohol use disorder. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the hope he inspired.
In loving memory (DATE - 2022).
I had worked hard to establish a fulfilling life, but in an instant, my life fell apart.
Rocky was a 63-year-old veteran from Lancaster. He had been a Sergeant in the Army, serving our country. Rocky shared many memories from the Vietnam War and spoke of his resilience during that difficult historical period. He had worked hard to build a good life, but in an instant, it fell apart. His marriage deteriorated when he found out his wife had an affair. In a moment of anger, Rocky pushed her against a wall, leading to a conviction for domestic violence. This situation forced Rocky out of his home, and he found himself homeless.
The Veteran Affairs had connected Rocky to Pathways Community Center. After an assessment, he had been deemed a perfect match for a bed at the Haven Men’s Shelter. Due to Rocky's positive influence and mentoring at the Haven, he was offered a role as the "house dad." Two years had passed, and Rocky still held that position, guiding other men towards work, sobriety, and achieving their goals. He looked forward to finalizing his divorce and moving out of the Haven to start anew in a different home.
Addiction, a complex brain disease, presented hidden battles that Rocky courageously confronted during his periods of sobriety. However, one fateful day, the weight of this struggle took its toll. Rocky tragically lost his life to his alcohol use disorder.
In loving memory (DATE - 2022).