Francis Rockie Fera's Obituary
Beloved Loudoun Educator
Francis Rockie Fera, age 76, of Leesburg died at home with his wife and three children beside him on Thursday, September 7th after battling Cholangiocarcinoma.
Rockie was born in Washington, D.C. on January 21, 1941 and moved to Alexandria, VA as a child. He was the son of Francis William Fera and Juanita Croy Fera.
Rockie graduated from George Washington High School in 1958 where he was president of his senior class, president of the student council, president of the National Honor Society, and friend to hundreds. He received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Virginia and was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Margaret (Peggy) Fera and three children: David Fera of New Orleans, LA; Shaun Fera of Henrico, VA and her husband James Beazley; and Julia Tracy of Harpers Ferry, WV and her husband Lloyd Tracy. He had five grandchildren: Margaret and Walter Beazley, as well as Lloyd, Emerson, and Corrigan Tracy. He is also survived by his two sisters, Linda Andre (Dennis) of Morro Bay, CA and Janice Tivnon (Michael) of Bakersfield, CA.
After moving to Leesburg in 1970, Rockie became a renowned and highly respected educator, a tireless community volunteer, and an energetic advocate for the Thomas Balch Library and The Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy.
During his 38 year tenure in education, he was awarded the Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leadership Award (1989), opened several new middle schools in Loudoun County during critical years of growth, and had the Auditorium at Farmwell Station Middle School named after him.
Rockie’s positive influence inspired many in the field of education and within the local community. He cherished spending time with his family and treasured encouraging his grandchildren in their academic and extracurricular activities.
He was an active member of Shenandoah Region AACA, enjoyed playing tennis, gardening, Nationals’ baseball, his “lunch bunch” as well as traveling with his wife and close friends.
Rockie will be remembered for his life. He will be loved and missed by those who had the opportunity and privilege to have known him.
A Memorial Service will be held at St. James’ Episcopal Church in Leesburg on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 11:00 o’clock am. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall at the church.
The church requests that no flowers be sent. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations in Rockie’s name be sent to one of the following organizations: Cholangiocarcinonma Foundation, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, The Thomas Balch Library or the Emily Couric Cancer Center at the University of Virginia. Please share online condolences with the family at www.loudounfuneralchapel.com.
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