William Rochester Obituary

William Louis Rochester

January 18, 1941 - January 19, 2026

Charlotte, North Carolina - Mr. Rochester, age 85, passed away peacefully at his home on January 19th, 2026. Lou was born in Charlotte, North Carolina on January 18th, 1941, and grew up in the Dilworth neighborhood. He graduated from Myers Park High School in 1959. Lou was deeply passionate about coaching and growing Men's Softball, having two teams of his own: Lou's Blues and Lou's Royals. He also loved family reunions and getting to chat with all his relatives. Lou was loved by his family and will be deeply missed. Mr. Rochester is survived by his daughter Patti Hays and husband Donny, son Alan Rochester and wife Kathy, son Eddie Rochester, son Jeff Rochester; his sisters Miriam Lowery and Dorothy Rochester, his sister-in-law Beverly Rochester and 7 nieces and 4 nephews. His 8 grandchildren; Crystal Hays Gonzalez, Donald Hays, Heather Rochester, Alicia Rochester McAuliffe, Thomas Rochester, Allison Rochester, Joshua Rochester, and Jaynie Rochester. He is also survived by 10 great grandchildren. Lou was preceded in death by his parents Edgar and Dorothy Rochester, his wife Sue Rochester, his mother-in-law Eloise Hanline, father-in-law Tom Hanline, his brothers Bo Rochester and Richard Rochester, and brothers-in-law Ernest Lowery and Jerry Hanline, sister-in-law Kay Hanline and 2 nieces and 1 nephew.

Services will be help privately.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hankins and Whittington Funeral Service, Charlotte, NC.