William M. “Rocky” Rees, 69, of Shippensburg, passed away Friday, December 21, 2018 at home.

He was born June 9, 1949 in Newark, NJ. Rocky was a son of the late Edward and Marion Price Rees.

He was a member of the Our Lady of the Visitation Catholic Church, Shippensburg. Rocky retired from Shippensburg University where he was the Head Football Coach for over 20 years. He also coached football at Newark High School, Bucknell University, Colgate University and Susquehanna University. Rocky was a 1967 graduate of the former Bayley-Ellard High School, he earned his undergraduate degree in 1971 and his master’s degree in 1979, both from West Chester University. He was a past-president and member of the American Football Coaches Association.

He is survived by one daughter, Meghan Diane Rees of Nashville, TN; his companion, Diane Winter of Shippensburg; three brothers, Peter Rees of Bud Lake, NJ, Patrick Rees of Havertown, PA and Matthew Rees of Brick, NJ; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents Rocky was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Jeanne Gentle Rees who passed away August 14, 1998.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, December 29, 2018 in the Luhr’s Center on the campus of Shippensburg University at 1 p.m. Officiating will be Father Dwight Schlaline. Burial will be privately held in the Spring Hill Cemetery. There will be no viewing or visitation prior to the service. A reception will follow the services.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Rocky and Patty Rees Football Scholarship Fund c/o SU Foundation, 1871 Old Main Dr., Shippensburg, PA 17257.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.fogelsanger-brickerfuneralhome.com.