Deceased: 2010-07-08
Diocese: JACKSON
Seminary Graduation Year: 1963
Rev. John Ohleyer Brock died Thursday, July 8, 2010, at his home in Natchez. Born in Cleveland, MS, on March 25, 1937, Fr. Brock grew up in Greenwood After completing his seminary studies at St. Joseph Seminary in St. Benedict, LA, and the North American College in Rome, Italy, Fr. Brock was ordained to the Catholic priesthood on Dec. 19, 1962, in Rome.
For 47 years Fr. Brock served the Catholic faithful of Mississippi in churches in Hattiesburg, Jackson, Pearl, Greenville, Natchez, Meadville, Grenada and Charleston. He officially retired in September 2005, but continued to assist with sacramental ministry in various parishes.
In addition to his pastoral work in parishes, Fr. Brock was a longtime member of the faculty at St. Joseph High School in Jackson. He was a highly revered Latin teacher and band director whose classroom presence commanded respect from his students. Fr. Brock believed one of the most important things a person could have was a balanced liberal arts education rooted in the classics and the arts.
Fr. Brock was preceded in death by his parents, W.H. and Leila Mae Ohleyer Brock; and two brothers, Charles and David Brock. He is survived by his sister, Rosemary Chaloult; and her husband, Angelo, of Gulfport.
Visitation will be on Monday, July 12, 2010, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at St. Mary Basilica in Natchez followed by a Wake Service. Bishop Joseph N. Latino will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 13, 2010, in the Basilica. Interment will be in Greenwood Odd Fellows Cemetery on Wednesday, July 14, 2010.
