Michael Francis Mayock

Michael Francis Mayock (May 11, 1934 - January 3, 2021) passed away in Lexington, Virginia, on Sunday, January 3, surrounded by his loving family. Mike was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA, and moved with his family to the Overbrook section of Philadelphia when he was eight years old. He went to Saint Joseph’s Preparatory School and then Villanova University, where he played varsity football and was captain his senior year. Mike was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1955 but forwent the opportunity to teach and coach. He taught and coached at St. John’s School, Malvern Prep, Welsh Valley Middle School, the University of Pennsylvania, and for 26 years at The Haverford School. At The Haverford School, Mike taught middle-school mathematics and coached varsity football, varsity golf, and middle-school squash. Many of his students, players, and fellow coaches became lifelong friends, a testament to Mike’s devotion to his craft and to the people in his path. Susanne Trainer and Mike Mayock married in 1957. Within eight years, they had eight children, a tight-knit group of siblings whose family and friends knew Mike and Susanne very well and easily became a part of the family fabric. Coach Mayock’s former students and players (including all five of his sons) speak often of the enormous impact Mike had on the people around him in the development of skills, character, and friendships. In fact, in 1998, not long after Mike’s retirement, a group of former students and players created The Michael F. Mayock Distinguished Teacher-Coach Award, awarded annually among teacher-coaches of the Interacademic League. In retirement, Mike was an avid gardener, golfer (he would want us to mention that, for a duffer, he did have a bunch of holes-in-one), and spectator at his grandchildren’s games. He loved a good story, a funny joke, and a hopping party. Mike’s big hands were a sign of welcome, and his big heart helped him to create family everywhere he went. He had a quick sense of humor, a great desire to be with people, and a keen interest in the lives of those around him. He was somehow both predictable and hilarious. Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Susanne Trainer Mayock, his daughter Mary Ellen Mayock, his parents, Francis Mayock and Cecilia Paukstis Mayock, six of his seven brothers and sisters, Francis (Frank) Mayock, Ben Mayock, Mary Mayock McDonnell, Joseph (Joe) Mayock, Ann Mayock, and Richard (Dick) Mayock. He is survived by his sister Louise Mayock (Sisters of Notre Dame). Mike is also survived by his children, Michael Mayock, Amanda Miles Mayock, Molly Mayock, Mark Mayock, Alix Burns Mayock, Daniel Mayock, Kristen Kirk Mayock, Peter Mayock, Christie Biggers, Ellen Mayock, Patrick Bradley, Matthew Mayock, and Jennifer Kurilla Mayock. Mike and Susanne also leave behind many loving grandchildren—Leigh Mayock, Michael R. Mayock, Mackenzie Miles, Jack Miles, Angus Mayock, Katie Mayock, Matthew Mayock, Ronan Mayock, Deacon Mayock, Tristan Mayock, Zach Mayock, Jake Mayock, Luke Mayock, Jax Biggers, Charles Mayock-Bradley, Susanne Mayock-Bradley, Anna Mayock, and Elli Mayock. Due to the pandemic, an in-person memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Philadelphia Foundation, 1835 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, in the name of The Michael F. Mayock Distinguished Teacher/Coach Award, or to The Haverford School, in the name of the Michael F. and Susanne T. Mayock Scholarship Fund.