Man of Avon: Joel Bradford Rockwell

Joel Bradford Rockwell, of Vero Beach, Florida, and formerly of West Hartford, CT, passed away peacefully at home with his family at his side on December 16, 2022. He was 82. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sheila Burns Rockwell (who he affectionately introduced as his "first" wife), and two loving daughters, Avery R. Adam (Warren J. Adam) of Westford, MA, and Alison B. Rockwell (William C. Adkins) of Boulder, CO, two grandchildren, Cameron S. Adam and Mackenzie A. Adam of Westford, MA, as well as his brother Stanley Rockwell of Vero Beach and his sister-in-law Diane Docherty (Thomas Docherty) of Palm City, FL; predeceased by his parents Stanley C. and Elizabeth L. Rockwell of Sunset Farm, West Hartford, CT, and a grandson, Ryan Joseph Adam of Westford, MA. Joel attended Avon Old Farms School in Avon, CT, Sterling College in Sterling, VT, and Nichols College in Dudley, MA. He was a devoted gardener who curated magnificent backyard wildlife sanctuaries filled with extravagant and colorful flora, which also supported his years of beekeeping. Joel loved to share his passion for traveling the world with his wife and family. Joel had an ambitious and successful career as the principal and owner of Collins and Rockwell Insurance Agency. He was a devoted member of the Rotary Club of West Hartford, where he was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. Until his death, he was an active member of the Moorings Yacht and Country Club in Vero Beach. A prankster at heart, he particularly loved people's reaction to their house manakin, Ophelia. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Navy SEAL Museum's Trident House (https://www.navysealmuseum.org/thcp) or the Indian River Land Trust (https://www.irlt.org/cfiles/join_donate.cfm).

There will be no calling hours and burial will be at the convenience of the family in Hartford, CT.

Published by Hartford Courant on Dec. 20, 2022.