Born in Paterson, New Jersey, on January 14, 1943, to Samuel Rochard and Pauline Azar, Dave was an only child who treasured time spent with family and friends. He regarded his in-laws as his own brothers and sisters, and their families as his own.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Pauline; his father, Samuel; his stepmother, Katie; and his brothers in-law, Naim and Halim Slilaty. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Laurice Slilaty Rochard; his brother in-law and sister in-law Malcon and Naime Bechelani; sister in-law Nabiha Slilaty; his four sons and their spouses, Scott (Brandee), Michael (Susan), Steven (Lisa), and David (Alicia); 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews.
Dave began his career at Curtiss-Wright in New Jersey, where he worked for 17 years. In 1979, he moved to Midland, Texas, and in 1981 relocated to the Houston area, settling in the Quail Valley neighborhood of Missouri City. In 1986, he joined GE Aerospace as a Quality Control Engineer, and he remained with the company for 40 years, until the time of his passing. Dave found great purpose and enjoyment in his work, which allowed him to travel and visit family and friends. He was a mentor, a friend, and a respected colleague to all who knew him.
Dave was loved by everyone who met him. He had a close circle of family and friends he considered siblings, including the Samra, Bruno, Cronk, Greig, and Piner families. He made lasting friendships wherever he went, whether at church, at work, or in his travels. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Missouri City, Texas, from 1981 until his passing.
The Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1510 5th Street in Missouri City, on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 10:20 a.m., immediately followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m.
For those who cannot attend the service in person, livestreaming will be available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGOTSjG9Df4or by selecting the livestream link below.
Following the Funeral Mass, all are invited to gather with the family and share memories of David during a reception to be held at 1:00 p.m. at Quail Valley Country Club, 2880 La Quinta Drive, Missouri City, Texas 77459.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to assist local families in need. Memorial contribution can be directed to St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, 2403 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, Texas 77021.
