OBIT: John ROCKETT, 1880, Altoona, Blair County, PA

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DEATH'S DOINGS.
The Sudden Decease of Street Commissioner Rockett.

  Brief mention was yesterday morning made of the death of Street 
Commissioner John Rockett, of paralysis of the brain.  The deceased was 
born near Indiana, town in this state, where his parents resided for 
many years.  When he became of an age to shift for himself he went to 
Johnstown and there learned the trade of a painter, which he practiced 
there.  About the time of the breaking out of the war John came to 
Altoona and has ever since resided here, being one of our well known 
and upright citizens.  About ten years since he entered the political 
arena, but was never guilty of the bitter feeling so common among 
politicians.  John was of the opinion that if all the people in this 
world thought alike it would not be worth living in, and while he held 
his own opinions the views of others were always respected.  In 1873 he 
became a candidate on the Democratic ticket for County Sheriff, but as 
the county was strongly Republican Mr. Rockett was defeated.  Afterward 
he was elected as Councilman from the Sixth ward for several terms, and 
it was during his incumbency that very considerable public improvements 
were made in the ward.  About a year since City Council elected him 
Street Commissioner and this trust he has fulfilled with satisfaction.  
Mr. Rockett was aged 44 years.  In early life he married Mary Storm, a 
sister of John Storm, of this city.  Their only child is a daughter.  
John Flanigan is a brother-in-law of Mr. Rockett's also.  Early last 
summer the deceased was taken sick, being affected with total blindness 
for a short time.  On examination Dr. Christy informed him that his 
trouble was softening of the brain.  Afterward under the doctor's care 
he was cured, but again a short time since he was similarly affected.  
On Friday night while going up stairs he had a similar attack, which 
resulted in paralysis of the brain, rendering him unconscious from the 
first.  Although every attention was paid him it was seen that the 
disease must result fatally in a few hours.  The deceased was a 
consistent member of St. John's Church.  The funeral will take place at 
8 o'clock on Wednesday morning, to proceed to St. John's Church, where 
high mass will be celebrated.  There will be a number of societies in 
attendance.

Morning Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Tuesday, December 14, 1880