Obituaries
Ralph “Doc Roc” Anttonen, 82
October 21, 2022
With great sadness we announce the passing of Ralph “Doc Roc” Anttonen, 82, on October 21, 2022. He died unexpectedly at home.
Born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, Ralph was the son of George and Ethel Anttonen. Ralph graduated from Fitchburg High School in 1959 where he was class president for two years and played basketball, baseball, and tennis during his four years. He received his bachelor’s degree in math at Tufts University, Medford, Mass. Ralph went on to the University of Minnesota for his PhD in Educational Psychology with a minor in statistics. After graduation in 1966, he became a professor of Educational Psychology at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio and advised doctoral candidates. In 1971, he became a professor and the director of education research at Millersville University. He became advisor to both the college radio station, WIXQ, and the student newspaper, the Snapper. He served as the chairman of the department of academic and student development and as the coordinator of the exploratory program. He published articles in several professional journals and books. He became a scholar on Leadership and wrote with colleagues on this subject. He retired from Millersville University in January 2013.
Doc received numerous awards and honors including: Leadership and service award from NACADA as Chair Faculty Advising Commission; The National Society of Leadership and Success for Excellence in Service to Students Award; The Freshman Year Experience in South Carolina recognized him as an “Outstanding Freshman Advocate”; Millersville University elected him to the Athletic Hall of Fame; Faculty recipient for Person of the Year award; being made an honorary alumni of Millersville University; he and Judy were honored as Grand Marshals at the Millersville Community Homecoming Parade; and finally, he and Judy were recognized as honorary members of the Millersville Fire Department.
Surviving Doc is his wife of 60 years Judy “Mama Roc”; daughter Karen and her husband Garth and their five children Isaiah, Isaac, Elijah, Miriam, Sarah; son Eric and his wife Elizabeth (Connell) and their four children Evan, Elise, Emma, Ethan; and his great-grandson Finn, son of grandson Evan and his wife Jennifer (Hand). He was predeceased by his parents George and Ethel.
Doc had many passions including his weekly radio show at WIXQ, announcing basketball and volleyball games at Millersville University, and officiating at high school cross-country meets. He and Judy sponsored numerous athletic scholarships for students on the swim, field hockey, volleyball, golf, basketball, track and field, and baseball teams. He loved to exercise on his stationary bike as well as swimming at the Anttonen Natatorium on Millersville’s campus. He also played corn hole and shuffleboard at the Lancaster Rec Center. He was an avid Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, and Cleveland Browns fan. He also thoroughly enjoyed playing Santa Claus across numerous Lancaster County venues.
A celebration of life is planned at Pucillo Gymnasium on Millersville University’s campus on Saturday November 5, 2022, from 2:00 PM – 3:00PM. Doors open at 1:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lancaster General Health Foundation. In the Memo: line, please note “In Memory of Ralph Anttonen and the behavioral health fund”. These donations should be sent to: Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health Foundation, 2110 Harrisburg Pike, Suite 205, Lancaster PA 17601.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
October 11, 2023
Sorry for your loss, Ralph was an inspiration to me as a runner as were Judy & Eric, if a little bit intimidating to me as the father of Karen, who was my first love. You are a great family and I wish you well.
Jason Brooks
November 13, 2022
Some people come into our lives, and quickly go. Some stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never ever the same. Ralph you and Judy’s were and are the greatest! You will never be forgotten, nor should you be. We know no one who showed more love and care for students, family, and friends!
Love Tim and Beverly Walter
November 05, 2022
It was with extreme sadness that I learned of Doc’s passing. Having been a coach at Millersville and also directing Senior Games competitions and having Doc as a grad school professor, I had grown to know and love Doc and Judy for the passion they brought to Millersville and the students there. I know of only a few individuals who could rival that passion. He set the bar high for everyone around him and went to extra efforts to give one the opportunity to reach it.
To Judy and his family, I give you my sincere condolences and wish you peace during this time. And to my friends and coaches who worked with Doc, keep his memories and stories close and he’s always going to be there to bring a smile. Trey Jackson
November 05, 2022
Dear Judy, I was so saddened to hear of Doc’s passing. I have fond memories of chatting with the two of you at running races years ago. So sorry for your loss. Peace and Love , Beth Pyle
November 05, 2022
Judy, I was greatly saddened to hear of Ralph’s passing. I am holding you and your family in my heart and praying for solace for you all. I will always have fond memories of traveling with you and Doc to away MU basketball games, and volunteering at the mile race each year. Sending you love and strength…Barb
November 05, 2022
Doc Roc, you were truly unforgettable! I am glad to have met and interacted with you over the past several decades, primarily through our mutual admiration of MU. I loved your enthusiasm on so many issues that you were so passionate about, be it WIXQ, MU Athletics, Santa & Mrs. Claus, trivia, music, and our shared love of the Millersville Parade. We shared many good times together, which will be great memories to look back on and laugh/smile. Thanks for those memories Doc….I know you loved so many people and they loved you too! 💛🖤
November 04, 2022
Doc Roc was a supporter of the WIXQ college radio station like no other. Even before he became it’s advisor students thought he was the advisor because of the energy he put into his radio show there, and the care and attention he gave his students. We were lucky as students to have him as a friend and mentor and the university was lucky to be the beneficiary of his time, gifts and talent. Who loves ya Doc…we all do.
November 03, 2022
Judy your husband was an incredible man. I’ve only known you both for a few years but the respect I have for you both is immense. Doc was a honorable man. He has helped so many students who are so grateful for his knowledge and patience. I am sincerely sorry for your pain. I know it hurts, being married to such a intelligent, loving, respectable man, it was an honor to have known him. I’m so glad we all had dinner a few weeks ago. You are in my prayers. Rita, Anthony Jovinelli
November 03, 2022
Mama, I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. Doc touched so many lives. His passion and belief in WIXQ and the importance of college/community radio inspired me, and on my visits down to Lancaster I cherished the time I got to spend with him, and you as well. The generosity and kindness you both showed me made me feel like part of the family, and I’m sorry I can’t join in celebrating him at the service, but I will be there in spirit. Sending you love and strength, Angelica.
November 02, 2022
Dear Judy and family-Our hearts go out to each of you..not only was he a bright light at MU but at Fritz too as our visiting Santa. I also remember how he loved you dearly and wanted your retirement day have a big send off-complete with a limo ride away on your last day! -Terry
November 02, 2022
Mama Roc & Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Doc’s passing. He was a great friend, mentor, and colleague. Doc wrote many letters of recommendation for me after graduation that helped me get into higher education teaching. I am forever grateful for all that he has done.
November 02, 2022
All the best moving forward with fond memories and great legacy at MU. Fellow runner, Millersville grad, and Suomi Jouksee Finland traveler. Hugs. Clay Shaw
November 01, 2022
Dear Attonen Family:
I am so sorry for your loss!!! I met Doc at WMSR (pre- WIXQ) in 1971. What a kind man as he always remembered me upon meeting at Homecomings and radio reunions. This past May, as I was (Alumni) DJing at WIXQ, he called me and graciously told me how much he was enjoying my playlist. How COOL is that?? Doc Roc cool!!! Thank you, Doc, for remembering me these 50 years…for being so wonderful to all of us!
Karen Kukuchka-Mann
November 01, 2022
Judy & Family, I worked with Doc for 41 years at WIXQ and will miss him greatly. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
October 31, 2022
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Doc. He always entered our cafe with kindness and a big smile. He had a strong presence in the community, actively working to make it a great place. We send our condolences to his family.-Karina and Claudio
October 30, 2022
So very sorry to read this, Judy. I knew something was wrong when you weren’t greeting everyone at Homecoming parade line up. Sending hugs and prayers to you and your family.
October 30, 2022
Judy,
I am so sorry to learn about Doc’s passing. I fondly remember Doc’s Santa Claus visits to Fritz Elementary over the years and the joy that he brought to our students.
The two of you clearly had a wonderful life together. I hope that you will be well, carried by many wonderful memories.
October 28, 2022
Judy, we are so very sorry for your loss. I will always remember the joy Doc brought when he came to Fritz as Santa. He sure surprised the kids with his personal comments. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Diana
October 27, 2022
So sorry to hear of Doc’s untimley passing. Judi,Chris and I always liked to listen to you two play the Oldie’s ,especially your DoWop specials on WIXQ.I’m shure Doc will be missed by all his fans.
Jerry Kelley
October 26, 2022
Judy and Family,
My heart is so sad for your loss. I admired Ralph so much. He was a giant. He touched so many lives by his devotion to Millersville University and the Millersville community. There are so many examples of his enthusiasm and quirkiness. He once ran around his house carrying the Finnish flag when a Finnish runner won an Olympic Gold Medal! Ralph, you will always be loved and remembered.
Isabel Bentz
October 26, 2022
Judy,
Carol and I send our sincere condolences on Doc’s death to you and your family. He was a stalwart at Millersville who fit right in with his emphasis on students and their education. You were his partner in all of his enterprises, and I know you will miss him greatly.
Sincerely, Ed Shane, Retired Dean, College of Science and Technology
October 25, 2022
Please accept my sincerest condolences on your loss. Doc was always a pleasure to be with. He was a wonderful man and a wonderful colleague. He will be sorely missed.
Joel B. Piperberg
Professor of Biology
October 25, 2022
I was deeply saddened to learn of Doc’s passing. I was a member of the WIXQ staff. Sometimes we had lunch together in the SMC. I still think of his egg salad and olive sanwiches with a large Sprite. My condolenses to the family and the MU community. Rest in Peace Doc.
Jeff Rickert ’82
October 25, 2022
Attonen Family,
I was saddened to read of Ralph’s passing. I have known Ralph my entire career here at MU, and the place just won’t quite be the same without him. He was a true Marauder in every sense. Best wiswhes for the entire family at this difficult time. Len (& Evanna)
October 25, 2022
I am so sorry to hear the passing of a legend. Doc was not only a brilliant educator, he was one of the kindest, most caring men I have known. Although he was no longer advising the Snapper when I was there, we always saw each other in the halls, and his smile lit up the entire SMC. He will be deeply missed. My love goes out to Judy and his family. Rock on, Doc!
October 25, 2022
I’m so sorry to hear of Mr Anttonens passing. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
October 25, 2022
Judy,
Carol and I send our sincere condolences on ‘Doc’s death to you and your family. He was a stalwart at Millersvile who fitted right in with his emphasis on students and their education. You were his partner in all of his enterprises, and I know you will miss him greatly.
Sincerely, Ed Shane, Retired Dean, College of Science and Technology
October 25, 2022
So sorry for your loss. I so enjoyed listening to him every Saturday. I had the good fortune to meet him and Judy at a nuber of races that I participated in. He and the music he brought us will be missed. Thank you for so many great Saturdays.
October 25, 2022
Dear Anttonens,
On behalf of the DeHart and Henderson families, please accept our condolences for the passing of Doc. He brightened up many a basketball game coached by my father in Pucillo. Thank you both for giving so much to the university and community.
Our very best to you,
Molly and Alex Henderson
October 25, 2022
Judy,
I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Anne Nash
October 24, 2022
Mama, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Doc’s light and guidance were incredible presences at WIXQ and in the Millersville community. He was a guiding force for so many of us, a lunch friend, a confidant, and an adoptive grandparent, and his loss is felt so deeply. I wish I could put into words the impact him (and you!) had on me personally, but nothing I can say would do it justice. So much love to you and your family.
Who loves you Doc? We all do. Rest easy my friend.
- Services
- Saturday, November 05, 2022
- 2:00 PM
- Millersville University - Pucillo Gymnasium
- Pucillo Drive
- Millersville, PA 17551
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