Obituary of Pierre A Rochat

Pierre Alexandre Rochat, a Bernardsville area resident for more than 40 years, passed away peacefully Sunday, February 21, 2016 at Morristown Medical Center. Pierre will be remembered for his sincere generosity, wit, humility, and love for the Lord. Pierre was born Feb 27, 1931, in Westfield New Jersey to Edmund & Claire Rochat, immigrants from Switzerland, who raised Pierre together with his older brother Edmond and younger brothers Dave and George. Pierre graduated from Westfield High School in 1948 and went on to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania in 1952 with a degree in Economics. Always very skilled in mathematics Pierre worked at a bank during his years at the University of Pennsylvania. After graduating, Pierre served in the U.S. Army for 1-2 years in Europe, mostly Austria. Pierre went to work at Barr Brothers in 1954 where he enjoyed success as a Municipal Bond trader. In 1961, at a very young age Pierre rose to become a "partner " at Barr Brothers and he stayed for nearly 30 years and greatly enjoyed his work there. Pierre had 4 children with his first wife, Marlene Faulkner; Lynda, John, Donna, and Marcelle. While working at Barr Brothers, Pierre met Valerie (Taylor) and two were married on June 30, 1973. In 1978 Pierre and Valerie adopted Philippe. Heather was born to Pierre and Valerie in 1982 and Trevor followed in 1985. After Barr Brothers, Pierre worked in stocks at Advest in Bernardsville for about 10 years. Pierre eventually "retired" in the mid 90s to focus on the real estate and buildings he owned in Bernardsville, Basking Ridge and Peapack, and to spend time with his family. For many years, Pierre was a member of Somerset Hills Country Club where he played countless rounds of golf with his family; he was also a member of the Essex Hunt Club, where he cheered on son Philippe playing hockey. Other pastimes included; follower of NY Rangers, lover of crossword puzzles, and Jersey Shore beachgoer. A deeply spiritual man, Pierre was a follower of Billy Graham and Dr. Dobson (an evangelical whose books and sermons mostly pertain to parenting and family values) and a supporter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Together with his three brothers, Pierre started and managed a charitable fund established to give to Christian organizations, including causes such as the Samaritans purse and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. For many years Pierre volunteered at the Somerset County Jail leading Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings. Pierre is survived by his loving wife of 43 years Valerie (Taylor) and his 7 children, Lynda Rhinehart of Orlando, FL, John Rochat of Hershey, PA, Donna Alison of Bozeman, MT, Marcelle Figlo of Milford, NJ, Philippe Rochat of Far Hills, NJ, Heather Burke of Trumbull, CT and Trevor Rochat of New York City. And brothers Edmund of Exeter, NH, David of Chelsea, VT, and George of Bernardsville, NJ. And many grandchildren that were very dear to him. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Grace Fellowship Chapel.