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Jerry Bock Obituary
Richard M. Ticktin, Bock's attorney and family friend, said the composer died Wednesday morning at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, N.Y., of heart failure.
Together with lyricist Sheldon Harnick, Bock wrote the powerful score to "Fiddler on the Roof," one of the most successful productions in the history of the American musical theater, having an initial run of eight years. It earned the two men Tony Awards in 1965.
Bock had recently spoken at a memorial service for "Fiddler" playwright Joseph Stein, who died Oct. 24. "So now two of the three creators of 'Fiddler on the Roof' have passed away within three weeks of each other," said Ticktin.
Bock and Harnick also took home Tonys and a Pulitzer Prize for the music and lyrics to "Fiorello!" in 1960. In addition, Bock was nominated for Tonys in 1967 for "The Apple Tree" and in 1971 for "The Rothschilds."
"The world will remember him as a gentle human being with great talent who was a collaborator in musical theater. Jerry believed that the essence of musical theater was the collaboration - working with your colleagues, trying to make a unified whole out of disparate parts," Ticktin said.
Bock's other works include "The Body Beautiful," "Mr. Wonderful" and "She Loves Me."
In 2004, Bock said his favorite moment in the creation of a song was playing it with his collaborator. "If it works, we say, 'Wow!'" Bock said. "There's no reward like it - to finish a song and celebrate it with your partner."
Survivors include his wife, Patti, daughter Portia Bock, son George Bock and granddaughter Edie Mae Shipler. Funeral services will be private, his lawyer said.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
43 Entries
Deborah Golden
April 20, 2012
I miss you Jerry, day after day. You were a lovey dovey, warm and kind teddy bear; a teddy bear with an amazing eternal talent that created such beautiful music that will live on for generations. I just wish you had George Burns genes and lived to at least 100. The phrase "better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all" comes to mind when I think how lucky I was to have had you in my life.
February 22, 2011
Jerry, Dick Ticktin and myself were camp counselors at Camp Watitoh in 1942 and 1943. Even in his teens, Jerry was a musical genius and won't soon be forgotten. Bernie "Needles" Cohn
Lisa Greco
February 10, 2011
Dear George,
You may remember that we were classmates at the U. of M. When I read of your loss I recalled your many warm and funny anecdotes about your beloved dad. Please accept my deepest condolences.
David Boylan
November 28, 2010
Gerry was my mother's Cousin. Her name is Julia Bock and her father's name was Arther Bock. I know very little about Gerry other than the career information easily found in the press. I feel deeply sad that I never had the chance to meet him and would be greatful for to anyone who could share their experiences with him. Please feel free to email me at [email protected] . Thank you!
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Mike Sindelar
November 11, 2010
God bless the Bock family and thanks for all of the wonderful works and memories that Jerry gave us.
Judi Evans
November 10, 2010
Did not know him but just seeing his picture and reading about him he seems to have been a very gentle soul. May he rest in peace.
robin miller-curcio
November 10, 2010
To Patti and family, I just wanted you to know how sorry i am to hear of your husbands passing. I had the brief priviledge to work with both you and jerry in 1989 on your home in N.Y. I was a beginning designer and I was also planning my wedding. You bought me the book Kitchen Primer by Craig Claiborne to help me learn what cooking was all about. Jerry signed it by saying "To Robin, For Starters" from The Bocks. I still have it to this day and it is so used the back cover came off. I so enjoyed your hospitality and encouragement as a new designer. I will always remember how down to earth you both were and how you made a young girl from Conn. feel rather special. He was a delightful man - my thoughts and fond memories are with you. Robin Miller-Curcio
Darryl Fritz-Schwab
November 8, 2010
To the Bock family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I am however deeply grateful for the music of Fiddler On the Roof that has given my family great joy through the generations. Mr. Bock's genius and creativity and love of musical theatre will always be celebrated. I will always remember my grandmother singing Sunrise Sunset to me as a child. I sang this song to my own son and this winter I will sit in the audience as I watch my 16 year old actor son on stage singing Miracle of Miracles in his high school production of Fiddler On the Roof. I will be thinking of you Mr. Bock. Thank you for this gift.
Rose Drake
November 8, 2010
My condolences to the Bock Family. I have fond memories of Jerry's trip to Nashville and his passion for great songs. Thank you for sharing him with all of us that loved his music.
brenda bartell
November 8, 2010
dear portia and george,
i worked for the ostrows many years ago (1973!) as an au pair and have always remembered your family with great fondness. your parents were the friendliest and most down to earth people i met during that year. your dad's legacy of warmth and kindness rivals his enormous musical legacy. my deep condolences, brenda bartell
November 8, 2010
Fiddler on the Roof is my favorite film of all time. The music is absolutely awesome and to lose such talent is a terrible loss. I want every friend who comes to my house to watch that movie, and the next time I watch it, I will be thinking of Mr Bock each time I hear a song. I can't even tell you which song is my favorite because they are all so good. My sympathy to the Bock famliy. Thank you for sharing your loved one with the world.
Alanna Coffelt. Kendallville IN
MerlG
November 8, 2010
So sorry to hear of Mr. Bock's passing.
Accept my deepest sympathy.
Fiddler on the Roof is one of my favorite movies. I have watched it a thousand times and enjoyed it every time. At this time of loss may you remember that our Lord promised a resurrection to life eternal in paradise earth where Mr Bock will be able to use his talents to the full.
May the GOD of all comfort be with you his family.
November 8, 2010
To the Bock Family,
Deeply sorry for the loss of such a talented man like Mr.Bock. I really loved "Fiddler On the Roof", and the song,"If I was a rich man" it was my favorite.
In this difficult time may you all recall the wonderful memories he must have made over the years.
Psalms 34:18-"God is near to those broken at heart..."
The Grant Family
November 8, 2010
Dear family,
Sorry for your loss. I understand how are you all feeling. But something that had help me is knowing the promisse God give us, to bring back our love ones to live on a paradise earth. My condolences.
Gonzalez Family-Perth Amboy NJ
Ann Hedman
November 8, 2010
My husband and I just watched the film Fiddler on the Roof. I found myself dancing to the music....If I were a wealthy man....
We are grateful for this great music and its creator.
We will keep dancing, singing and remembering.
With our most sincere wishes that your memories bring you JOY and COMFORT.
Sandi & Joel Greenberg
November 7, 2010
My favorite music came from this talented man's hands. God bless him and may he rest in the eternal arms.
November 7, 2010
We send our deepest sympathy to a lovely family. Our thoughts are with you. The Staff of Bedford Gourmet.
MBR
November 7, 2010
My sincerest condolences to the Bock family. His music brought much joy to my life, and depth to this world. He will be missed.
Susie VanLandingham
November 6, 2010
God Bless Jerry Bock's family during the loss of their loved one. His wonderful score for "Fiorello" was the first show music I ever played on the trombone in the 6th grade and will forever be in my heart. He was a great artist and will be missed.
November 6, 2010
"May the God of comfort, who comfort us in all our trials bring you comfort at this time."(2Cor.1:3,4)
Debi Veix
November 6, 2010
Jerry will be terribly missed... God bless his soul and his family. His music touched my soul and gladened my heart.
Roxanne Everetts
November 6, 2010
Patty, Georgie and Portia: I was so saddened to learn of Jerry's passing. He, and all of you, was a great favorite of Mom and Dad.
I always knew that Jerry was a talented artist, because Mom and Dad told me so. There was a revival of She Loves Me at the Arena several years ago and I finally got to see something he wrote live. Now I know first hand how truly wonderful and talented Jerry was. I will miss him greatly.
warm regards,
Roxanne Everetts
November 6, 2010
Jerry was a cousin to my father-- loved so sad to hear he is gone-- he will be missed- his beautiful music will live on.
Lois Bock diCosola, New York
November 6, 2010
I thank the family of Jerry Bock for sharing him with us the public. His work will live on and give joy to many more people. I look forward to the day when he will come back in the ressurrection to life eternal here on a paradise earth and we can enjoy his talents forever
H.Possemto
Edith Reese
November 5, 2010
'Fiddler on the Roof' is an old favorite. I recently saw 'She Loves Me' for the first time. Mr. Bock was a musical genius because he understood the workings of the human heart. He will be missed by many, but remembered whenever we sing about our children, or a new love....
November 5, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing! My first Big role was in the musical "Fiddler" at my high school. (I played the Rabbi) and to this day, "Fiddler" is my all time favorite show and the movie with Topol, is a classic! I am gonna miss Jerry and his wonderful songs. RIP Jerry!
Ann Marie Serrani-Wilkie
November 4, 2010
Dear Patty,
I am so saddened by the news of Jerry's passing. He leaves a wonderful legacy of amazing music and books for all future generations. And of course to you and your children; many precious memories.
I wish you and your family many angels to surround you and comfort you at this time. God be with you and bless you.
Warm Regards,
Ann Marie Serrani-Wilkie
R Golay
November 4, 2010
To the the family of Jerry Bock - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that Jerry will be missed by many.
November 4, 2010
Thank you for sharing his life with everyone. Fiddler has always been my favorite. Now he talk directly to God.
Ann
Kate Ostrow-Yadan
November 4, 2010
Dear Patti, Portia and George,
The ring of Jerry's laughter will forever be inbedded in my heart as the memories of fishing on the lake, Buloga in the water, Jerry at the piano, the sight of him sauntering into my girls only bridal shower and the smell of Royal Lyme cologne. I loved him so dearly and wish that I could be there with you to hug each and every one of you.
You know he has already found a piano in heaven and is making the angels dance!! Or at least Gerry and Ingram and Fay and Bob.
love, love , love Katie Ostrow Yadan
Carol Castro
November 4, 2010
Thank you, so very much, Mr. Bock, for sharing your wonderful talents. Songs from Fiddler are just a few of so very many that bring me such wonderful and vivid memories of great days gone by. Thank you to the family for sharing him with us. I can just see him up in heaven coming up with great music to inspire the next big Broadway composer. Thank you so much. Rest in peace and keep smiling down on us all! Sincerely,
Cindy Stayner
November 4, 2010
Dear Portia Edie and Craig, God keep you at this time of sorrow. Remember the wonderful times with your Dad and Grand Dad. He was such a special man. We wish all of you comfort at this time and a Hug to each of you. We love you and you are in our prayers.
Love Uncle Mike Auntie Cindy Cousin Joe and Papa Bill and Shirley.
November 4, 2010
your music will live forever. thank you. God bless-Montgomery
Fannie Flowers
November 4, 2010
The memories and the melodies remain!! Please accept my sincere sympathy along with these words of comfort. "He is healing the brokenhearted ones, And is binding up their painful spots." Psalm 147:3
Blanche Kirshbaum Ross
November 4, 2010
I memory of our friendship days in Camp Watitoh & after, sending deepest condolences to Pat & family as well as Dick Ticktin. With Sympathy, Blanche Kirshbaum Ross
annie guenther
November 4, 2010
deepest sympathy to the family...Jerry Bock was amazingly gifted..fiorello and fiddler ..two of my favorites...i hope mr bock can write songs for mr bosley to sing up There...
Shirley Griffin
November 4, 2010
I am sorry for your loss, may the the God who gives peace be with you in your time of grief.
R Golay
November 4, 2010
To the the family of Jerry Bock - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that Jerry will be missed by many.
November 3, 2010
Thank you for sharing your music with us!!
November 3, 2010
condolences to
Bock Family
In this time
of mourning~
restinpeace 'Jerry'
November 3, 2010
God Bless
November 3, 2010
Dear Patty, Georgie and Portia:
I was saddened to hear about Jerry's passing. His talent was terrific and his contribution to theater fantastic and much appreciated by theater patrons world wide.
My deepest sympathy to all of you .
cousin Rosalyn Chipkin Katz and family
([email protected])
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