Emmett Bernard de Rochemont

November 5, 1931 – February 22, 2025

Emmett Bernard deRochemont, age 93, passed away on February 22, 2025, surrounded by the love and care of his family. He was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee and traveled the world with the Air Force before marrying his lifetime love, Mary Ruth, and moving to Florida in 1956.

He attended Embry-Riddle and worked for Pratt and Whitney for 35 years. He had a dream of building a geodesic dome. With the help of his wife, son, and others, he accomplished his dream, going on to live in the “dome home” for 40 years. He loved camping, traveling, and woodworking. He crafted many intricate carvings and wall art which he shared.

Emmett was raised Episcopalian, while Ruth was Catholic. They attended Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church since their arrival in West Palm Beach in the late fifties. In 1998, Emmett felt the call from God to officially join the faith going through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). He joined the Catholic Church during Easter Service in 1999.

He lived a good life with a balance of fun, adventure, and service. He was not about words, but actions. He provided for his family and showed his love by building many things for his kids, like a treehouse, play space shuttle, and photography dark room. He was a solid foundation for his family. He will be missed, but it is comforting to know he is at peace.

Emmett is preceded in death by his wife Mary Ruth deRochemont, his parents: Billie Lee and Ruston Emmett deRochemont, and his sister Virginia Emily. He is survived by his 5 children: Linda Lee Jones (Steve) of West Palm Beach, FL, Mary Elaine Gusse (Gary) of Lake Worth, FL, Teresa Marie Woolfe (Randy) of Jupiter, FL, Laura Diane Starr (John) of West Palm Beach, FL, and Steven Emmett deRochemont (Julie) of Lighthouse Point, FL. He has 11 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Dorsey – E. Earl Smith Funeral Home, 3041 Kirk Road, Lake Worth, FL 33461. We will gather for a funeral mass on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 12:00 pm at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, located at 345 S. Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33415 with burial services to follow at Lake Worth Memory Gardens, 3041 Kirk Rd, Lake Worth, FL 33461.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the ALS Association at https://www.als.org/donate or the Alzheimer’s Association - www.alzfdn.org/donate.