Frederick "Fred" Rocyna's Obituary
Frederick "Fred" Rocyna, 66, of Palm Coast, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2024, at the Stuart F. Meyer Hospice House, surrounded by the love and care of his family.
Born and raised on a small family farm, Fred’s childhood was filled with the simple joys of rural life. He tended to an array of animals, from cows and horses to peacocks and ducks, nurturing a deep connection to nature and the earth. This farm, though not a commercial venture, provided homegrown vegetables, beef, and feed for the animals, teaching Fred the values of hard work and self-sufficiency. Alongside his responsibilities on the farm, Fred contributed significantly to his father’s heavy equipment and land development company, Lindale Equipment. His dedication to both the farm and the family business left him little time for extracurricular pursuits, yet he made a memorable mark by securing the lead role in his junior class play, a notable achievement during his high school years.
In 1977, Fred embarked on a new chapter at Ohio State University. It was during this time that his parents sold the farm and moved to the sunny shores of Key Largo, Florida. Fred assisted his father in building a stunning oceanfront home in Tavernier, complete with a long pier, white sand beach, and a large pool. They also transformed another oceanfront property into a modern resort home, showcasing Fred’s growing expertise in construction and development.
Fred’s journey took him to Miami, where he attended Miami Community College, lived on South Beach, and worked at the iconic Doral Hotel. He then moved to Tampa to attend the University of South Florida, balancing his studies with a managerial role at Chuck E. Cheese’s. However, his passion for building drew him back into construction, where he played a pivotal role in constructing high-end single-family homes and condominiums for Mobley Homes before eventually starting his own home-building ventures in North Tampa.
In 1985, Fred married Lorrain Kaprowski, though their marriage was brief and they had no children. Over the following years, Fred’s career in construction and property management took him to Zephyrhills, Cincinnati, and Murfreesboro, TN. It was in Murfreesboro that he met his life partner, Judy Johnson, from Maynardville, TN. They shared over 20 wonderful years together, filled with love, gardening, and the companionship of their beloved cats, until Judy’s passing in 2019.
Fred found his greatest professional fulfillment at Bear Creek Grow, where he dedicated himself to cultivating non-THC medical-grade marijuana. His dream was to perfect the art of growing with the latest technology, but his battle with small-cell lung cancer cut this dream short. Despite the illness, Fred relocated with his three cats to live with his sister Cindy in Palm Coast, FL. Throughout his illness, his mother Jeannette, despite her age, provided unwavering support, attending countless medical appointments and offering endless love and care.
Though Fred’s small-cell lung cancer went into remission, a separate pancreatic cancer eventually claimed his life. He passed with the same quiet strength and dignity that characterized his life. Honoring his love for the ocean, Fred requested that his cremated remains be released into the waters of the Florida Keys, where he spent many joyful hours fishing, spearfishing, and diving in the 1980s.
Fred leaves behind a legacy of hard work, love, and resilience. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
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