Rocco Woodard Obituary

Rocco Ray Woodard Jr., "Twiggy," age 35, of Harborcreek, Pennsylvania, passed away unexpectedly at UPMC Hamot on Saturday, March 16, 2024. He was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, on February 7, 1989, to Rocco Ray Woodard Sr. of Crestview, FL, and Vera Droney-Buckel (Jason Buckel) of Harborcreek, Pennsylvania.

Rocco received a degree from Great Lakes Institute of Technology as a veterinary assistant. He had a passion for sick and injured animals throughout his life. He was ordained as a high priest of the Universal Life Church Monastery and was a certified teacher, spiritual healer, and Medium. Rocco had an expansive reach of knowledge that spread itself through all he came in contact with, which he unfailingly applied in every situation.

His inner greatness glowed, radiating warmth and inspiration to all in his presence. In the darkest pits of life, Rocco broke ground and made himself a home in which all were welcomed, healed, and loved with all he could give. Every situation someone went through, no matter how obscure, he had a piece of advice that always wiggled its way into someone's heart. He was the epitome of a perfect shoulder to cry on and an incredible friend who always was able to laugh and shine in the darkest of nights. There are people alive and well today who would not be without him, and forever and always he will be loved the same way he loved all of Erie, PA.

"Question everything, always search for the answer."

"Mortui vivos docent."

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Laurence and Yvonne Droney; his paternal grandparents, Edward and Mattie Woodard; as well as his godfather, Bruce Droney; and grandfather, John Buckel, Sr.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his only child, Jaden Woodard and, embraced with open arms Brian Bowersox and Elijah Fesmire.

He is further survived by his loving siblings, Donny Moore, Joyce Peterson-Kelley (George), Shadonna Woodard, Durrell Woodard, all of Erie, Pennsylvania, Jessica De La Purta Llorente (Guitarro), and Rebecca Schauble (Benjamin), all of Harborcreek, P; as well as his godmother, Amy Izbicki; and grandmother, Roberta Buckel. He is also survived by eight nephews, five nieces, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and lifelong friends (all of Ohio).

Family and friends may call at Dusckas Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 2607 Buffalo Rd., Erie, PA 16510, on Thursday, March 21st, 2024, from 3 pm until the time of the Funeral Service there at 6:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to the family through the funeral home.