March-29-2025
With profound grief, we regret to inform you of the passing of Rear Admiral Rakesh (Rocky) Chopra, after many glorious years of service in the Navy and an accomplished post-retirement career.

Rocky, as he was affectionately known within the naval fraternity, was from the 31st NDA course and was commissioned on 1st July 1968. After completing his Sub Lieutenant courses, he qualified as a ship’s diver and helicopter controller. He was part of the team of divers deployed off Chittagong to recover gold that had been sunk in the river by the retreating Pakistani Army.

In 1973, he specialized in Navigation and Direction as a Lieutenant and later completed the Staff Course at Wellington in 1980 as a Lieutenant Commander, eventually serving there as Directing Staff.

Throughout his distinguished career, Rocky held several key appointments. At sea, he commanded a Petya-class frigate in the Eastern Fleet and later INS Ganga in the Western Fleet. His shore postings included Fleet Operations Officer (Western Fleet), Director Warship Overseeing Team, Chief Staff Officer (Operations), Eastern Naval Command, and Instructor at the Naval War College.

On promotion to Rear Admiral, he took on significant leadership roles, including FODAG and later a key appointment at Naval Headquarters.
Beyond his naval service, Rocky was a highly respected professional, a lively and immensely likeable officer, and a cherished friend to many. He had a rare ability to connect with people, earning admiration not just from his peers but also from those he mentored and worked with. His departure leaves an irreplaceable void in the lives of his close friends and coursemates, who will forever treasure his camaraderie, wisdom, and unwavering spirit.

Rocky was a lifelong learner, always striving to expand his horizons. While posted in Mumbai, he completed an MBA from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management, a qualification that proved invaluable in his post-retirement years. He went on to become a Professor of Management and Strategy at XLRI, Jamshedpur, and later at IMT, Ghaziabad, in recognition of his academic excellence. He also earned a Diploma in International Humanitarian Law, a testament to his relentless pursuit of knowledge.

To his friends and colleagues, Rocky was the embodiment of intellectual curiosity, adventure, and lifelong learning. He had an insatiable passion for travel, both within India and overseas, and a deep love for yachting, always embracing new experiences with enthusiasm.

The funeral and last rites of Rear Admiral Rakesh Chopra will be performed Lodhi Electric Crematorium on30/03/25 at 1330.

We pray to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to his noble soul. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

NOK:

Wife Marilyn Chopra (99719 72221)
Son Vikram Chopra (9820238515)
Son Varun Chopra (9920200104)
Daughter-in-law Noopur Jain Chopra

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