John T. Rock, Jr.

Chesapeake- John T. Rock, Jr., 86, passed away peacefully at home on June 15, 2015. Retired from C&P Telephone, he dedicated his early life to serving our country after graduating from Woodrow Wilson H.S. in 1948. John served proudly in U.S. Army 18th Combat 29th Division and at the end of his tour, joined the U.S. Navy CB Reserves. He later joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary serving from 1981-2001. He was predeceased by his parents, Mary Elizabeth and John T. Rock, Sr.; sister, Betty Virginia Willis of Portsmouth; first wife, June Hobday Rock; and two special nieces, Cheryl Williams of Portsmouth and Cheryl McElhenny of Roanoke Rapids, NC.He is survived by his loving wife of 15 years, Christine Barrett Rock; five step-children that he lovingly called his own, Mike Jory, John Jory III, and Brian Jory of Suffolk, Cindy Jory King of Windsor, and Theresa Jory Stephenson (Joe) of Chesapeake; five grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren. Nieces, Pat Williams of Suffolk, Kathy Grook (John) of Cape Charles, Melanie Tobin (Billy) of Suffolk, and Carol Jean Cohen (Mike) of FL also mourn his passing.John was an avid artist, woodworker and Redskins fan. He enjoyed sharing his talents with family and friends as well as his extended family at Covenant United Methodist Church where he was an active member. He will be sadly missed by his special friends that joined him for coffee and laughter at Chesapeake Square Mall almost daily.A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 19, at 1 PM in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel by the Rev. Frank Jennings. Burial with military honors will be in Olive Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 7-8:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Covenant UMC Building Fund.