Thomas (Tom) Stuart Rockler

Thomas (Tom) Stuart Rockler

January 12, 1946 – March 5, 2025

Thomas (Tom) Stuart Rockler, 79, passed away surrounded by his family on March 5, 2025, after a five-year battle with cancer.

Tom was a larger-than-life personality, with a great and silly sense of humor that caused those who knew him to roll their eyes, while they laughed out loud.  Tom loved so much about Tucson and his Tucson community, and he had friends everywhere.

Tom joined the U.S. Navy when he was young, but after four years of service, he left the Navy, eventually settling in Tucson, where he helped to found the community radio station KXCI.  He was a lover of great music, particularly good ol’ rock.  He loved his horses, his dogs, his cars, UA Basketball, the Tucson Racquet and Fitness Club, and the Tucson Street Fair.  Tom was especially great with kids, and Sarah Rose and Spike will miss him dearly.

Tom is survived by his life partner, Tanya Hammond, of Tucson; sister Margi Cook (Wayne) of Phoenix; nieces Melissa Monheit and Lauren and Gabrielle Hillery, two great nieces, and a great-nephew, and many, many beloved friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Debra, his stepdaughter, Ashley, and his nephew, Jason.

Friends and family will celebrate a beautiful life well lived and a man truly loved at Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery – Marana, 15950 N. Luckett Rd. Marana, AZ, 85653, at 12:00 p.m. with Navy Honors.

In Lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Tom’s beloved KXCI: https://kxci.org/support/