Rock

George Leon “Junior” Rock, 87, of Butler, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, at his home surrounded by family.

Born in Butler on May 15, 1936, he was the son of the late George and Mary (Betty) Rock. On Dec. 28, 1959, he married the love of his life, Shirley A. (Kay) Rock. A dedicated family man, he was the dad to four devoted children and the adored PopPop to 11 grandchildren.

For 30-plus years, Junior proudly wore the title of Mr. Rock as a teacher at McQuistion Elementary School in the Butler Area School District. He was known for his dedication to his students, many of whom he remained in touch with over the years. He also was a Korean War era veteran, serving in the U.S. Air Force.

He was a very active member of All Saints Parish, St. Paul Roman Catholic Church. He also was a former member of the Elks.

Junior was a known sports fan, as an avid golfer, fisherman and supporter of all Pittsburgh sports teams. He was a Butler High basketball standout and went on to coach Butler area youth at both the elementary and high school levels.

In 2015, he became a medical technology pioneer after a health emergency that led to heart failure. He received a newly developed, cutting-edge implantable heart pump that took over the function of his damaged left ventricle. Following his successful recovery, he became an ambassador for the left ventricle assist device, or LVAD.

He will be remembered for his infectious smile and sense of humor, devotion to his family, and his playful and competitive spirit.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Rock; his kids: Steve (Nancy) Rock of Greer, S.C., Shari (Gene) Jaskiewicz of Hudson, Ohio, Tracy Rae of Harmony, and Larry (Karen) Rock of Hagerstown, Md.; his grandchildren, Derek (Hannah) Rock, Rachel Rock, Carrie (Ryan) Mizer, Aaron Jaskiewicz, Cole Jaskiewicz, Tara Rae, Brianna (Paul) Cundiff, Brendan Rae, Tanner Beal, Logan Beal and Emma Beal; and his faithful dog, Zoe.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert Rock and Richard Rock, and one sister, Dorothy (Rock) Onufer.

ROCK — Friends and family of George Leon “Junior” Rock, who died Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, are invited to celebrate George’s life from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday in MARTIN FUNERAL HOME, 429 Center Ave., Butler.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at All Saints Parish, St. Paul Roman Catholic Church, 128 N. McKean St., Butler, with the Rev. John Baver officiating.

Burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery. A reception luncheon will follow. Specifics will be provided after the funeral Mass.

Military honors will be accorded at the cemetery by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 249, American Legion Post 117, American Legion Post 778 and VFW Post 499.

The family requests memorial donations to All Saints Parish, 128 N. McKean St., Butler, PA 16001.

For more information, please visit www.martinfh.net.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.