Detroit — Fr. David Francis Brock passed away on Oct. 24 at the age of 87.

Born in Detroit on Aug. 13, 1926, Fr. Brock was ordained to the priesthood in the Archdiocese of Detroit on June 2, 1956.

Prior to his graduation from high school, he left and joined the army, expecting to fight in Europe. But by the time he arrived, Word War II had ended, though he still spent a period of time in the Third Army under the renowned General George. S. Patton, Jr.

He joined Sacred Heart Major Seminary after returning to the United States, but returned to the military to serve as a chaplain. He spent 22 years of service in the U.S. Navy with the title of captain.

Fr. Terrence Kerner, pastor of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish in Dearborn, was a longtime friend of Fr. Brock and remembers many stories Fr. Brock told of his experiences overseas.

“He did two tours of duty in Vietnam, and several assignments after that,” said Fr. Kerner. “He was in Guam for several years and loved it there.”

Fr. Brock served as associate pastor of several different parishes: Epiphany Parish in Detroit from 1956-61; St. Rose of Lima Parish in Detroit in 1961; St. Ambrose Parish in Grosse Pointe Park from 1961-66; and St. Michael Parish in Livonia in 1989. He served as pastor of St. Anne Parish in Monroe from 1989-96.

Fr. Kerner said Fr. Brock “just loved to celebrate life with everybody. He knew families; they were just attracted to him. He was like a grandpa to many kids.”

Fr. Brock was predeceased by his parents Peter and Marian; siblings Jack, Paul and Thomas Brock and Daphne Lucas. He is survived by many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.

—Elizabeth Wong