Cathedral to Host Funeral Service for Senator John D. Rockefeller IV
WASHINGTON – Washington National Cathedral will host the funeral service for Senator John D. Rockefeller IV on November 23, 2026, at 11am ET.
Jay Rockefeller dedicated his life to public service, leaving a lasting impact on the people of West Virginia and the nation through decades of leadership in government, health care, education and public policy. Over a career spanning more than five decades, Rockefeller served as a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates, Secretary of State of West Virginia, Governor of West Virginia and United States Senator.
The Cathedral has a longstanding significance to the Rockefeller family. A memorial stone honoring Jay Rockefeller’s great-grandfather, John D. Rockefeller, is located within the Cathedral’s crypt.
“Jay Rockefeller had an unwavering commitment to the people of West Virginia and advancing public good,” Cathedral Dean Randy Hollerith said. “His example of principled leadership and dedication to the general welfare will be remembered for generations to come.”
Service Participants
Officiating Clergy
- The Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Washington
- The Very Reverend Randolph Marshall Hollerith, Dean, Washington National Cathedral
Homilist
- The Reverend Canon Jan Naylor Cope, Provost, Washington National Cathedral
Tributes
- Pierre Leval
- Rochelle Goodwin
- Edward James Martin Koppel
- The Honorable Shigeo Yamada
- John Davison Rockefeller V
- Valerie Blanchette Rockefeller
- Charles Percy Rockefeller
- Justin Aldrich Rockefeller
Attendance and Livestream
The service for Senator John D. Rockefeller IV is by invitation only. Security measures will be in place to ensure the health of the staff and guests in attendance. The public is invited to watch the service via the Cathedral’s YouTube Channel or on the Cathedral’s website.
Media Credentials
All media wishing to cover the service must request press credentials from the Cathedral in advance by filling out the credentials request form. All requests for credentials are due by Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 5 pm ET, and determinations for these requests will be made on Friday, Nov. 20 at 5 pm ET. The Cathedral will provide a livestream of the service and still photography, which all media are free to use with credit to Washington National Cathedral.
About Senator John “Jay” Rockefeller IV
Senator John D. Rockefeller IV was born on June 18, 1937, in New York City. He was a great-grandson of industrialist and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller. He graduated from Harvard University before joining the Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) program, which inspired his move to West Virginia.
Rockefeller began his political career in the West Virginia House of Delegates in 1966 and later served as Secretary of State of West Virginia from 1968 to 1972. He was elected Governor of West Virginia in 1976 and served two terms before his election to the United States Senate in 1984.
During his 30 years in the Senate, Rockefeller became one of the chamber’s leading advocates for health care reform, children’s health insurance, coal miners’ benefits and consumer protections. He chaired the Senate Commerce Committee and played a key role in shaping telecommunications and technology policy. Throughout his career, he remained focused on improving economic opportunity and quality of life for his constituents.
Following his retirement from the Senate in 2015, Rockefeller continued his engagement in public policy and philanthropy. His legacy endures through his wife, Sharon Percy Rockefeller, and their 4 children and 8 grandchildren and the countless individuals, families, and communities whose lives were improved by his commitment to public service.
MEDIA CONTACT:
[email protected]
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About Washington National Cathedral
Grounded in the reconciling love of Jesus Christ, Washington National Cathedral is a house of prayer for all people, conceived by our founders to serve as a great church for national purposes.