Donald Edward Accardo Jr., affectionately known as “Rocky,” passed away on January 22, 2026, in Charleston, South Carolina, at the age of 69.

A lifelong Charlestonian, Rocky was born and raised in the city he loved and graduated from St. Andrews High School in 1976. He went on to build a successful career, working for the engineering firm Wright Padget Christopher and retiring from Terracon Consulting Engineers and Scientists in 2023. Throughout his life, Rocky remained deeply connected to the Lowcountry, both through his work and his passions.

An avid fisherman, Rocky found joy on the water and camaraderie among friends. He was a past member of the James Island Yacht Club and proudly served as past president of Lowcountry Anglers. When not fishing, he could often be found enjoying a good bourbon, delivering a perfectly timed corny dad joke, or cheering on Clemson football.

Above all else, Rocky loved his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Melinda Hiers Accardo; his daughter, Katherine Elizabeth Accardo; and his son, Donald Edward Accardo III, known as “Tripp.” He is also survived by his sister, Melody Weidman, and her husband, Russ; his aunt, Melva Davis (Steve); his uncle, C.L. Carter (Sheryl); nieces, Andrea Futeral (Mike), and Allyson Armstrong (Adam); nephews, Eric Martin (Elizabeth), Jonathan Hiers, and Jeremy Crosby (Allison); and his cherished grand-pups, Murphy and Ellie Mae Jenkins. Rocky was preceded in death by his parents, Doris Accardo Bowen and Donald Edward Accardo.

Rocky was a man with a great sense of humor, a love for life, and a circle of good friends who will miss him dearly. As a member of Second Presbyterian Church, Rocky was a man of faith who understood what it meant to be a good person and to be good to others. He lived with a great sense of humor, a genuine love for life, and a deep appreciation for good friends-qualities that will be remembered and missed by all who knew him.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at J. Henry Stuhr Funeral Home, Downtown Chapel at 232 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC, 29401. A funeral service will follow on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church, 342 Meeting St, Charleston, SC, 29403.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Ronald McDonald House, Rocky’s favorite charity.