Jay Meredith Rock

Jay Rock, 79, of Pacific Beach, passed away unexpectedly at home and now joins his late wife Barbara in Heaven. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, especially his two daughters, Reesie and Andee, son in-laws George and Robert, grandchildren Karl, Jessica, Kasey and Erinn, and great-granddaughter Arya.

Jay was born in Los Angeles, CA. He was the eldest son to the late Andy and Louise Rock and older brother to the late David Rock. Jay is survived by his two sisters, Laurie, and Heidi, brother in-law Dick, five nieces, one nephew, cousins, and their families.

Jay’s parents moved to San Diego in 1944 and settled in the Crown Point neighborhood. Jay often told stories about his love of growing up in Crown Point, playing ball in the street with his brother and neighborhood friends. They would often hop fences to get to each other's houses and use Mission Bay as their playground. He said he couldn’t have asked for a more ideal place to grow up.

Jay served in The United States Navy from 1962 - 1964 as a QM on the U.S.S. RASHER (SS-269). He spoke proudly and fondly about his fellow submariners and his time traveling to different ports, Hawaii, Philippines, and Japan to name a few.

After his service he returned home to San Diego. His cousin Sandy, introduced him to Barbara, who then became his wife of 34 years. They settled in Pacific Beach and raised two daughters in a house filled with love. Both Jay and Barbara were hardworking, loving, and very supportive parents. Jay was an engraver at Fleisher Products in Pacific Beach for close to 50 years. He took pride in his job and was very good at it. He enjoyed making signs, trophies, plaques, and other numerous projects for family and friends.

Weekends were spent with family members at his parents’ home in Crown Point, picnicking at the bay, or with friends at the beach. Jay was athletic and competitive, he loved to body surf, play lob ball for Christ Lutheran Church, riding his bike to work, and running 5K marathons or helping to coach his daughters’ softball teams. Jay was a loyal and diehard LA Dodgers and SD Chargers fan and enjoyed going to many games. Other memorable occasions included taking family road trips to Yosemite and British Columbia, and of course, Dodger stadium!

Jay and Barbara really enjoyed music. They discovered a singer and pianist duo at a local hotel and ended up following them all over San Diego for many years. They enjoyed dancing and listening to their music.

Following the loss and love of his life, Barb, in 1999, he had many roommates he considered great friends. Jay never met a stranger, he could hold a conversation with just about everyone, and genuinely cared about all of them. In his later years, he found enjoyment with friends and family doing some of his favorite things, supporting his granddaughters in their gymnastics competitions and soccer games. He attended weddings, plays, and birthday celebrations, going to concerts and hosting parties for friends. He was able to travel to see his grandson and granddaughter’s graduations. He also had the opportunity to visit his parents’ alma mater, in Wisconsin and travel to Costa Rica with friends. Jay was a caring man and loved his family and friends with his whole heart. You could rely on his never-ending love and support. Jay will be forever remembered and loved by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life for Jay will be held, pending a date in August.

Donations can be made in Jay’s name to the American Cancer Society or The Wounded Warrior Project.