William "Bill" Rock

William (Bill) Rock, age 91, passed away at home November 12, 2023. Bill was born in Dublin, Ireland to William and Margaret Rock. He was the second youngest of four brothers and four sisters. Bill is survived by wife, Sherry, daughters Susie and Traci, four grandchildren, and sister, Patricia Connerton.

As a teenager he helped his father in the butcher shop owned by his father.  

For a short time, Bill played professional soccer, but his true calling was horses. Bill did his apprenticeship at the Cura in Ireland and became a great thoroughbred jockey.  Trainer Kevin Kerr saw Bill’s ability as a jockey, offering him the opportunity to bring two horses to America.  

At age 25, Bill left dear old Ireland in April 1957, starting his professional thoroughbred horse racing career in Boston, Canada, California, New Mexico and Mexico. Bill’s riding career saw 2,074 wins.  

Bill gave up racing in 1975 due to injuries. However, he stayed active in the racing industry at Centennial Race Track and Arapahoe Park. 

Bill met Nate Burt, owner of Burt on Broadway through the world of racing. This is how Bill started his second career as a top salesman. At age 65 Bill retired from Burt Chevrolet. 

Bill decided it was time to become a citizen of the United States and became a citizen in September 1989. That same year he met Sherry at Conville’s Irish Pub and in 1992 Bill and Sherry were married. 

Bill was an avid golfer with a hole-in-one and volunteered at VFW Post 9644, especially handing out “Buddy Poppies” on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. 

Preceded in death by his mother, father, seven siblings and son Sean.  

He will be missed greatly by all that knew Bill as a loving husband and a kind and caring person. 

Recitation of the Rosary will be held on Tuesday, November 28 from 3:00-4:00pm at Horan & McConaty, 3101 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood, Colorado. 

A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, November 29, 10:30am, at Saint Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 6673 West Chatfield Avenue, Littleton, Colorado. A Reception will be held following the funeral at the VFW Post 9644, 2680 West Hampden Avenue, Englewood, Colorado.  

To watch the funeral Mass via livestream, please click on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ1HBDCyP5w

Bill will be going home to his final resting place in the family grave in Dublin, Ireland.  

Please share memories and condolences with Bill’s family by signing the guestbook.