Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Written by the family

Michael Eric Rochkind, 69, died Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Born May 3, 1954, in Winter Haven, Fla., son of the late George Rochkind and Esther Rochkind; brother of Arthur Rochkind and Carole Rochkind Lieberman.

Michael Rochkind lived in Richmond, Virginia for the majority of his childhood. He attended and graduated from Averett College (University) in June of 1975 and married his high school sweetheart, Marci Sue Pinchefsky, June 1, 1975. They lived in Danville, Virginia where he got his first teaching job. They later moved back to Richmond, Virginia where he worked as a school teacher in Hanover County, Virginia and later at the Richmond Hebrew Day School.

Michael and Marci had two children born at Chippenham Hospital, Chesterfield, Virginia — Jesse Aaron Rochkind, August 1978, and Esther Rebecca Rochkind, February 1980. The family moved to Orlando in October 1986 where they have resided until this date. Michael worked in Orange County Schools as a teacher of History and later English Language Arts at Union Park Elementary School, Liberty Middle School and finally at Odessey Middle School until he retired. He was deeply involved with his students in writing and filming movies to be viewed by parents, students and friends.

He is survived by his ex-wife, Marci (Pinchefsky) Rochkind of Orlando, Florida and their two children, Jesse Aaron Rochkind (Brandi) of Orlando, Florida and Esther Rochkind Elder (Jay) of Orlando, Florida; grandchildren, William Cole, Nathaniel Meyer Elder, and Eli Noah Elder.

Graveside Service were held at Congregation Ohev Shalom Cemetery (6034 Old Winter Garden Road, Orlando, Florida 32835) with Rabbi Arnold Siegel of Jewish Family Services officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to A Gift For Teaching, an organization that supports getting learning supplies to needy classroom students at https://www.agiftforteaching.org or mail donations to A Gift for Teaching, 6501 Magic Way, Bldg. 400C, Orlando, FL 32809, phone 407-318-3123 in memory of Michael Eric Rochkind, retired Orange County teacher. 

May he rest in peace and may his memory always be a blessing. 

Service entrusted to Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel, 933 Lee Road, Suite 101, Orlando, Florida 407-599-1180.