Arthur L. "Bud" Rockwell

Arthur L. “Bud” Rockwell,  88

Funeral Home Director, Dedicated Mason, Bank Corporator

Centerville – Arthur L. “Bud” Rockwell, 88, formerly of Watertown, passed away on January 18, 2018 after a period of declining health with his three children by his side.  He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 59 years, Marjorie (Clark) Rockwell, 2014.

Born at home in Watertown in 1929 to the late Winthrop G. and Elsie (Burnham) Rockwell, Bud was also predeceased by his only sibling, Alice Rockwell Bridges.  He attended the Watertown Public School System and graduated from Manter Hall School in Cambridge in 1948.  He went on to study and receive his degree in Business Administration in 1951 at Burdett College in Boston and his embalming degree from the New England Institute if Mortuary Science in 1952.  After graduation, he joined his father in the family funeral business, Rockwell Funeral Services, Inc.  He was later joined by William Urquhart in 1971 and in 1996 he merged the company with two local funeral homes to become MacDonald, Rockwell & MacDonald Funeral Service, at which time Bud retired and handed over the business to William.

Bud was very active in the Watertown community.  He was honored to be a Corporator and Trustee of Watertown Savings Bank since 1957, sitting on many subcommittees throughout his years with them.  He was actively involved with the Watertown Rotary Club and other civic organizations.  He was a parishioner of the former Phillips Congregational Church and served as a Deacon and Usher; Moderator and Treasurer of the Permanent Funds for many years. 

Bud joined the Masonic Fraternity in 1951 and was an active member throughout his life.  He served as Master of Pequossette Lodge AF & AM in Watertown in 1956.  He held several offices in the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, most notably as Grand Marshal from 1971-74 and as Senior Grand Warden from 1974-75.  He was a past Commander of St. Bernard Commandery #12 of Boston.  He served as Most Wise Master of Mt. Olivet Chapter of Rose Croix from 1981-84 and was awarded and received the 33 degree in 1983.  Bud was also a member of the Aleppo Shriners and member of several other Lodges and Masonic organizations.

In his downtime, Bud and his family enjoyed their summers on Cape Cod, spending many hours boating, fishing and golfing, eventually retiring to the Cape.  Here he was well-known to lend a helping hand to his neighbors, always willing to “fix” things in and around their homes.  He became known as “Bud Rock” to his neighbors and their kids and greeted everyone on his nightly walk around the neighborhood.

Bud leaves behind his three children and five grandchildren: Douglass G. (Lisa H.) Rockwell of Centerville and their two daughters, Alexandra and Charlotte; Martha J. Rockwell of Hyannis, and Scott B. (Lisa J.) Rockwell of Cape Elizabeth, ME and their three children, Whitney, Griffin and Delaney.  He also leaves two nephews, David Bridges of Holliston and Dwight Bridges of Marstons Mills.

Bud’s family would like to extend a very special thank you to the wonderful group of Angels on earth who helped care for him: Kim, Ellen, Stacey, Libby and Caitlin. 

Visiting hours in Watertown will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. on Friday, April 6th at MacDonald, Rockwell & MacDonald Funeral Services, 270 Main St., Watertown, followed by a Masonic Funeral to be held at 7 p.m. 

A Memorial service will be held the next day, Saturday, April 7th at 11 a.m. at South Congregational Church of Centerville, 565 Main St., Centerville, MA. 

In Lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Development Office, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA  02114 or to a charity of one’s choice.

 Service Information