Sept. 24, 2024

The University mourns the passing of Thomas J. Rockett, a former vice provost and chair of chemical engineering, who died on Sept. 19. Rockett, of East Greenwich and Grantham, New Hampshire, was 90.

Born in Medford, Massachusetts, on June 4, 1934, he was a son of the late John F. and Agnes (Connor) Rockett. He was the husband of Sarah Hough Rockett; the couple was married 60 years this October.

Rockett was a graduate of Tufts University and received his master’s degree in geophysics from Boston College and his Ph.D. in mineralogy and mineral engineering from Ohio State University. He began his career with the Air Force Research Lab at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, working on early applications of space probes and ceramic heat shields as part of the Apollo program. He also worked as a research scientist for Monsanto, and on materials for the Starr Edwards Heart Valve and other medical devices at American Hospital Supply.

He joined URI in 1971 as a professor of chemical engineering and thoroughly enjoyed teaching and working with students in the research lab. In his nearly 30 years at the University, he served as chair of the chemical engineering department, advancing to vice provost for research and dean of the Graduate School. He was known for his short commencement speeches, weaving in his love for movies and music to offer life lessons for graduates.

After his retirement in June 2000, he was appointed by Gov. Donald Carciere to the Board of Governors for Higher Education, serving until 2011. He was also a founding member of the URI Research Foundation, a founding member of the Rhode Island Science and Technology Advisory Council, and board member of the East Greenwich Library.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, Sept. 26, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 65 Third St., East Greenwich. Burial will be in St. Patrick Cemetery, East Greenwich. Calling hours at Hill Funeral Home, 822 Main St., East Greenwich, will be Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 5 to 7 p.m.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to his endowed fund at URI: The Sarah and Thomas Rockett Endowment. Go to URI.edu/giving and search to find the endowment.

To read the full obituary.