Nov. 13, 2007--John M. Roca, 18, a freshman from Rehoboth Beach, Del., died Nov. 10.

Mr. Roca was majoring in natural resource management in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. His goal was to earn a master's degree in shoreline conservation.

Rhonda Aull Hyde, associate professor of operations research and Mr. Roca's academic adviser, said, "The University of Delaware has suffered a tremendous loss. John was an academically gifted, respected and promising young man. He was attending UD as an Ag Scholar. He and I had met just this past week to plan out his spring coursework. His long-term goal was to work in the area of coastline restoration. He was also a gifted artist who wished to minor in art. I am profoundly saddened by his death; my heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Roca family."

Mr. Roca was in a class this semester taught by Penny Rodrick-Williams in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology. The class often had field trips to watch birds that began at 6:30 a.m. "It's not always easy for students to make it to class at that time or to be happy about being there," she said. "But John was always in a great mood. He was talkative and energetic... and he made all of us happy to be there. His excitement was contagious and will most certainly be missed, by me and the rest of our class. My heart and prayers are with John's friends and family."

"John was a wonderful student, full of energy and enthusiasm, with a bright mind and an obvious ability to succeed," said Karri N. Van Blarcom, undergraduate services coordinator in the college who teaches the freshman seminar course in which Mr. Roca was enrolled. "He almost always came to class with a smile. He will be missed greatly by our college's faculty, staff and student. My thoughts go out to his family and friends."

Born in Washington, D.C., Mr. Roca was a graduate of the Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes, Del., where he had a 3.97 grade point average. Throughout high school, he was involved with the FFA, where he held numerous officer positions. President of the National Honor Society in his senior year, he also lettered in swimming. He also had served as a lifeguard at the North Shores Beach and was involved with the Boy Scouts, attaining the rank of Star Scout.

Mr. Roca is survived by his parents, Mariano and Margaret Long Roca; his brother, Billy Roca; paternal grandparents Vito and Mary Roca of Deltona, Fla.; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

A viewing will be held from 6-9 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 14, at the Parsell Funeral Home, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, and a Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled at 11 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 15, at St. Edmond's Church, at the corner of King Charles and Laurel streets, in Rehoboth Beach.

Memorial contributions may be made to the John M. Roca Memorial Scholarship Fund for the benefit of the Cape Henlopen FFA Chapter, in care of Delaware National Bank, Delaware Rt. 1, Rehoboth Beach, De 19971. A memorial golf outing to benefit the scholarship fund is planned at the Rehoboth Beach Country Club for July 23, 2008.

Online condolences may be sent to [condolences@parsellfuneralhomes.com].