Dr. Francis Xavier Rockett
The Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS) mourns the loss of Francis Xavier Rockett, MD, a distinguished neurosurgeon, educator, and past president of the MMS, who passed away on December 26, 2024. His legacy of dedication to medicine, education,
and patient care leaves an indelible mark on our profession and community.
Dr. Rockett earned his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and completed his neurosurgical training as Chief Resident at Children’s Hospital, Boston, and the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital. His commitment to advancing the field of neurosurgery
led him to serve as a clinical instructor at Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. He also provided expert consultation in neurosurgery for Boston College, Harvard University’s Department of Athletics, and the Boston
Red Sox.
A proud veteran, Dr. Rockett served as a lieutenant in the US Navy Medical Corps. His distinguished medical career included positions on the neurosurgical staffs of numerous Boston-area hospitals, including Children’s Hospital, Brigham and Women’s
Hospital, New England Baptist Hospital, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, and Newton-Wellesley Hospital. He served as Chief of Neurosurgery at Newton-Wellesley for over 40 years, a tenure marked by exceptional leadership and patient advocacy. In recognition
of his extraordinary service, he was honored with the George L. White Award, the hospital’s highest accolade for devotion and commitment.
Dr. Rockett was deeply engaged in organized medicine at local, state, and national levels. He was a dedicated member of the American Medical Association’s Brain Trust (Neurosciences Caucus) and made a significant impact at the Medical Society,
serving as Chair of the Committee on Sports Medicine, Chair of the Board of Trustees, President of the Norfolk District, and ultimately as MMS President. “His contributions to the advancement of medical practice and health care policy were
invaluable,” said Hugh M. Taylor, MD, current MMS president.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Rockett was a devoted family man. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 63 years, Barbara Rockett, MD, also an MMS past president, and his brothers, Thomas J. and John F. Rockett Jr., and his sister,
Agnes Rockett-Bolduc. He is survived by his brother Richard and his wife Donna, and by his sister-in-law Sarah. His legacy lives on through his children — Francis X., Jr. and wife Marianne, Peter and wife Amy, Bill and wife Maureen, Sean and
wife Ronda, and Julie and husband Patrick — and his cherished grandchildren: Francis Thomas, Paul, Julia, Morgan, Catherine, MaryBeth, Emilie, Connor, Declan, Brin, Shane, Casey, Barbara, Ronan, and Emmett.
The MMS extends its deepest condolences to the Rockett family and honors the memory of a man who dedicated his life to healing, teaching, and service. Dr. Rockett’s impact will continue to inspire generations of physicians and health care professionals.
