Howard B. Rochester

Howard Bernard Rochester was born on November 9, 1951, in Wilmington, Delaware, to Hazel and James Rochester, He peacefully departed this life on May 28, 2026.

Howard was a beloved son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was educated in the Wilmington Public School System and spent many years as a dedicated employee of St. Joe's Paper Company until its closure. He later served with a cleaning service providing care to the DuPont company. Known for his warm, generous smile, Howard lived his life to the fullest. 

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Hazel and James Rochester; his brother, Gray Marvin Rochester; his son, Kenyatta Blake; and his daughter, Trena Jones-Williams. 

He leaves to cherish his memory his two sons, Howard Bernard Meades and Jermaine Meades of Wilmington, DE; his brother, Alfred Rochester (Regina); and his sister, Alfreda Rochester-Cain (Wilbert) of Townsend, DE. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Dana Blake; eight grandchildren, Reane Meades, Jermaine Meades, Michael Meades, Toneya, Trinika, Te-erra, Antoine, and Aaron Jones, Prettya Blake, and Sharnea; his niece, Mechelle Rochester; two nephews, Cliffton and Alfred, Jr.; aunts Evalena Burke and Joyce Seals; a devoted friend, Joyce Meades; and a host of cousins and friends.