Fred Joseph Rock, 92, of Webster Groves, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, in his home with his attentive and kindhearted caregiver, Yury Antonov, by his side.

He was born on August 30, 1932, in Novinger, Missouri, to Clementino and Irene (Fiedler) Rock.

Fred graduated from Novinger High School with the Class of 1950 and began his college years at Kirksville State Teachers College (currently Truman State University) immediately following high school graduation. His completion of college was delayed when he entered the United States Army to serve honorably in the Korean War. He was always proud to hold lifetime memberships in the Truman State University Alumni Association and the Phi Sigma Epsilon Fraternity.

After receiving his Bachelor of Science in Education Degree, he was employed by the Cooter High School in Cooter, Missouri, as a business education teacher. In 1956 he moved to St. Louis, Missouri, and began his thirty-year tenure with the University City High School, first as a business education instructor and later becoming department chair. After obtaining his Master of Arts Degree, he held the position of Principal of Business Affairs until he retired in 1986.

Fred traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, and Mexico. He especially delighted in visiting Italy and the small Italian villages in which his paternal grandparents and other relatives had lived before immigrating to the United States. Many summers were spent on Cape Cod working for a friend who owned cottages and enjoying the beautiful small towns and stunning coastlines.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clementino and Irene Rock, his sister, Betty Hightower, his brother-in-law, Bob Hightower, and a special friend, James Moore.

Fred is survived by his niece, Cheryl Hawkins, and her husband, Tom, of Kirksville, Missouri; his great nephew, Brandon Hawkins, of Columbia, Missouri; his great niece, Kristin Kinney, and her husband, Adam, of Kirksville, Missouri; his great-grand nephews, Dylan Kinney and Grant Kinney, and great-grand niece, Megan Kinney, all of Kirksville, Missouri.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.