Jack Edward Bock

Jack Edward Bock died peacefully on December 13th, 2025 at his home in Dunedin, Florida, one week after celebrating his 95th birthday. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Sylvia (d. 2021) and his daughter, Karen Bock (d. 2024). He is survived by his daughter, Sue Todd (Mickey) and son, Michael Bock. He was a devoted grandfather to Justin Todd (Lauren) and Jack Todd (Meghan) and a proud Grandpapa to Elijah, Asa, and Hudson Todd.

Jack was born December 6th, 1929 in the coal mining town of Allison, Pennsylvania. Being born naturally musically inclined, music would play a pivotal role throughout his whole life. After graduating from high school, Jack played clarinet and tenor sax in a number of big bands throughout Pennsylvania and the surrounding area. He was drafted towards the end of the Korean War where he brought his instruments along with him and landed a spot in the army band. For two years of active duty, he played all over Europe, then used the GI Bill to attend California State Teachers College back in Pennsylvania.

After graduation, Jack couldn’t find a job locally and ended up landing a teaching job in Roseville, Michigan, following a friend up to “Water Wonderland.” While teaching at Washington Elementary School, he met Sylvia and they married August 24th, 1957. Roseville would become home for the next 44 years while Jack raised a family. He spent the bulk of his career as a principal, first at Kaiser Elementary then Dort Elementary.

With his summers off, Jack would take his family on many memorable vacations and spend as much time as possible at their cottage on Walloon Lake in northern Michigan. Jack and Sylvia retired in 1991 and bought a condo in Dunedin, Florida. In retirement, Jack and Sylvia became “snowbirds,” spending winters in Dunedin and warmer months on beautiful Walloon Lake. World travel was a priority in retirement as well. Jack and Sylvia traveled all over Europe and Asia. A three- week trip to China proved to be Jack’s most memorable vacation of all time.

Jack was active in the Bayview Chorus in Bayview (Petoskey), Michigan for almost 20 summers as well as the Dunedin and Clearwater Choirs for just as many winters. He loved playing his organ and keyboard daily, something he will surely be remembered for. Additional hobbies of his included bowling, swimming, sailing, and tennis.

Memorial services will be held in Florida in February and Northern Michigan in July. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bay View Association, 1715 Encampment Ave, Bay View, MI 49770.