Rocky and his father spent time together collecting coins throughout Rocky’s youth. They hunted through bags of money from the bank to find the silver, clad, and rare date treasures. He began buying other people’s discarded items and pairing it with someone who saw the treasure in the antique. Rocky’s business was born in a field in Harrisonburg at a flea market on Saturday mornings. Staunton was the next stop, where he would set up each Saturday morning and sell to visitors. An opportunity became available in Verona at the “old skating rink” to move to his own place which provided a humble home for his family, who also worked with him. The Verona location birthed Rocky’s Antique Mall, where many dealers came together in a grand space to sell their own treasures. 

The business boomed when he added silver and jewelry to the inventory through the early 1980’s. Rocky dreamed of a larger antique mall, jewelry store, and auction house which he brought to life in 1984 in little ‘ole Weyers Cave. In 1994, he built a destination, 15,000-square foot building known as “Rocky’s” that has thrived by Interstate 81.  Rocky passionately loved coming to work alongside his children. He loved his mission and taught anyone willing to learn. Experience and knowledge were shared with anyone who wanted to know. The employees who worked alongside him were always considered extended family.  He continued to work until the tender age of 78, when he passed unexpectedly on a beautiful Tuesday morning. The business continues to thrive today, under the watchful eye of his children and the extended family of workers who loved him dearly.