David Rochester

David Andrew Rochester was born on September 2, 1949, in Chester, Pennsylvania, to the late Abraham and Rosella Rochester. David peacefully departed this life at home on February 21, 2026. He was preceded in death by his siblings: Eva Morgan, Paul Rochester, Lloyd Rochester, Floyd Rochester, Rose “Trish” Robinson, and Nona Hanna; his goddaughter, Rosalyn Atkinson; and his brother-in-law, Augustus Wells, Jr. David was educated in the Chester-Upland School District. As a young man, he worked at Burman’s Drug Store in Chester. He later began a long and dedicated career with Marple Township as a sanitation engineer, where he faithfully served the community for 41 years before retiring. After retirement, David was active in his neighborhood where he was known for helping neighbors by running errands and keeping an eye out for others in the neighborhood. He had a lively personality and enjoyed many hobbies, including playing horseshoes, shooting pool, dancing, singing, and his well-known talent for accurately throwing stones. David was also known for his humor and memorable sayings, including his famous line, “You my na and you can’t get no bigger.” He also loved making his famous potato salad, rhyming, and playfully pinching his nieces and nephews. David’s love, laughter, and memories will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. David was a devoted husband, father, and provider who deeply loved his family. He could be quick to tell you to “shut up” or put you out of the house, but those who knew him understood that his heart was full of love. In his later years, he truly enjoyed life, especially the time spent with wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was also a proud and dedicated fan of the Philadelphia Eagles. In 1971, David married the love of his life, Lena Mae Wells. From this union, they were blessed with two daughters, Tyhesha Rochester and Monica Rochester. Although David did not belong to a particular church, he maintained a personal relationship with the Lord throughout his life. One of his favorite gospel songs was “I’m Going Away” by Walter Hawkins. David leaves to cherish his precious memories: his beloved wife, Lena Mae Rochester; his daughters, Tyhesha (Theodore) Rochester and Monica Rochester; his three grandchildren, Jawad Stephens (MyKeira), Tiffany Smith-Rochester (Elijah), and Ti’Anna Rochester; three great-grandchildren, Jahseer Smith Richardson, Jaiy’lah Stephens, and Justyce Stephens; two sisters, Ina Johnson (Vernard) and Eleanor Doyle (Calvin); two brothers, Dennis Rochester and Harry Jackson; his sister-in-law, Selma Wells; a goddaughter, Megan Gibson; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends. The family of David Andrew Rochester humbly and sorrowfully submits to the will of God, trusting in His grace and giving thanks for the life and memories of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

David Rochester

September 2, 1949 - February 21, 2026