Stephen Harry Bock

April 16, 1929 – January 15, 2022

Stephen Harry Bock: Loving son, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, Godfather and a servant of Christ. Stephen passed away, peacefully in his home, with his wife by his side, on January  15, 2022.  Stephen was born in Endicott, New York in April, 1929 to George and Anna Bock (Deceased). He was the younger brother to George and Edward (both deceased) and an older brother to Margaret.

Stephen was raised as a lifelong Orthodox Christian. His faith was first and foremost in his life. He was married to Monya (nee Kovalenko) in November, 1952 and enjoyed 69 years, side-by-side. Stephen leaves behind 3 children Justina (and husband Van Hale), Priest Father Mikel (and wife Matuska Lisa) and Nicholas (and wife Teresa). 3 grandchildren Stefanie, Ashlee (Dadisman) and Alexandra (Hale).  Many nieces, nephews and Godchildren.

Stephen was graduated from Union Endicott high school.  Stephen enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served on the USS Arneb (AKA-56/LKA-56). Upon being honorably discharged, Stephen had a career of 30 years with IBM Endicott, NY and IBM Charlotte (URP), NC. While in Endicott, Stephen and family attended Sts.Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in America (OCA) where he served on the council and as council president for many years.  Stephen was also a dedicated volunteer firefighter for the O.L.Davis/Endwell Volunteer Fire Department.  He was a volunteer who worked his way through the ranks to become Assistant Fire Chief. 

In 1979, Stephen, and family, was transferred to Charlotte, NC to continue his career with IBM.  While living in Charlotte, In 1981 with the blessing of Archbishop Dmitri, along with four other families, Stephen co-founded Nativity of the Holy Virgin OCA, where services continue to this day.  Stephen was tonsured a Reader in the Orthodox Church, by Archbishop Dmitri in September 1985.

Upon his retirement Stephen and Monya relocated to Greenville, SC.  There he assisted the mission and worked to establish, what is today, the thriving Orthodox community of St. John the Ladder OCA. Stephen and Monya had many friendships and are especially grateful for the love and support of Paul and Georgia Pelinsky over the years.

Stephen and Monya relocated to Mesa, AZ in 2015.There they were warmly welcomed into the Sts. Peter and Paul Orthodox community in Phoenix, AZ. Although not as active, they enjoyed this parish and the parishioners immensely. They felt the communities prayers during a very difficult 13 months.  They enjoyed having family and friends visit them in Arizona . . A life well lived, blessed and grateful as a servant of Christ.  Stephen has left a legacy of his faithfulness with all the Glory going to God.

May Reader Stephen rest in Abraham’s bosom and be numbered among the chosen.  Memory Eternal!

A  Panikhida service will be held at Saint Peter and Paul on Thursday, 20 January at 6 pm. A Requiem Divine Liturgy and Litya service will be held on Friday, January 21, 2022 at 10 am at Saint Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, 1614 Monte Vista Road Phoenix, AZ 85006.  After the funeral service a repast will be held in the Saint Peter and Paul Cultural Center.  Internment will take place at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona at a date to be announced.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Stephen Bock’s memory, and sent to Saint Peter and Paul Orthodox Church.