Barbara Elizabeth Bock

Barbara Elizabeth Bock (née Hanover) passed away peacefully on February 7th after a short illness, surrounded by friends and family.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, A. William “Bill” Bock; and her son, James Bock.  She is survived by her children, Jack Wright (Valerie), David Wright, Mary Lohr and Daniel Bock (Kate); and by her sister, Shirley Huffman. She also leaves behind ten grandchildren, who were her pride and joy - Braden, Victoria, Morgan, Mitchell, Serena, Natalie, Jeremy, Joshua, Alison, and Jackson.

Born in Columbus, to parents Lawrence and Elizabeth Hanover, she was a life-long resident of Akron, growing up in Ellet and attending Ellet High School, class of 1961.  She graduated from the University of Akron in just 3 years and began her career as a teacher at the age of 20 at Firestone High School, teaching government and becoming the Faculty Advisor to Student Council.

After staying at home with young children in the 70’s, Barbara returned to the workforce as the Sex Education Director for the Morley Health Center in Akron, where she taught the Birds and the Bees to every 5th grader in Summit County. Additionally, she served as the Director of the Northeast Ohio Task Force on HIV/AIDS at a time when the disease was highly controversial.

Barbara prided herself on service.  She served as the President of the King School PTA, President of Children’s Concert Society, President of Firestone High School Music Association, Board Member of Akron Symphony Chorus, President of the Saint Cecilia Choral Society, and recently, as the President of the Resident’s Association at Concordia at Sumner.

Her passion, however, was Music.  She had a beautiful Alto singing voice that would rival any popular songstress.  Along with her husband Bill, she had a five piece band (“Second Effort”) that would play at parties and weddings throughout the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.  She sang in the Akron Symphony Chorus and the Saint Cecilia Choral Society.

In her later years, she moved to Concordia at Sumner and very much enjoyed the new friendships awaiting her there.  These women - her squad - were extremely important to her and were thought of quite often during her last days.  She will be missed terribly by them, and by her family and friends.

Friends may call 12-4 p.m. SUNDAY February 12th, 2023 at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road. Funeral Service 10 a.m. MONDAY February 13th at Billow’s. Interment at Rose Hill Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Barbara’s name may be made to Concordia at Sumner .

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road  Akron, OH  44333.