Joel M. Bock
(Capt.) Joel M. Bock, 65, of Philipsburg, died May 9, 2023, at Select Specialty Hospital, Johnstown.
Joel was born on March 10, 1958, in Philipsburg, a son of Clarabelle A. (Agan) Bock, of Philipsburg; and the late Merlin E. Bock.
Joel was a 1976 graduate of the Philipsburg-Osceola Area High School. Following high school, he attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Joel embarked on a career in clothing manufacturing in June of 1986 when he accepted a position with Charles Navasky & Co., of Philipsburg. He enjoyed an illustrious career of over 25 years with the company that encompassed sales, production, manufacturing and management roles. He was a V.P. of the Dark Pony Fashions Division at the time of his retirement in December 2011.
While Joel enjoyed a successful “indoor” career in men’s fashion; he also had a career that allowed him to enjoy going to work in the great outdoors and “on the water” as a fishing guide and fishing flies consultant. Joel began his outdoorsman career in December 2004 as the owner / operator of JAG Fly Co., a manufacturer and importer of fishing flies. He was also employed during this period as a fishing guide travel host / ORVIS endorsed fishing guide with Steelhead Alley Outfitters and led guided trips on Lake Erie and its tributaries; and fly-fishing trips to Alaska. He also served as a production consultant for Fly Junkies, LLC from 2012 to 2014.
Joel returned to school in 2014 and attended the Alaska Nautical School where he earned his Captain’s License / Western Waters Guide License & Boating Safety accreditations . He subsequently accepted a fishing guide position with Naknek River Camp and Alaska Trophy Adventures.
Following a brief stint in Alaska; Joel traveled halfway around the globe in 2015 to work with Sherpa Flies, of Nepal, India. Joel spent a year and a half living in India working in sales and as a consultant. Following his time in India, Joel returned to Philipsburg and has been the owner / operator of JAG Fly Co. 2 and Allegheny Woods and Waters.
Aside from his fishing endeavors, Joel was also very active in the Pennsylvania State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Foundation. During his service with the NWTF, he served on various committees, served as chairman for the 1991 state convention and served on the Board of Directors.
Joel had a lifelong passion for music. He was an accomplished bass guitarist and played in several local bands during his career.
Joel was preceded in death by his father, Merlin.
He is survived by his mother, Clarabelle, and his sister, Lynn Ann Bock, both of Philipsburg.
Per Joel’s wishes, there will be no public services. Private services will be at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made in Joel’s memory to the Navasky Foundation for Life, P.O. Box 285, Philipsburg, Pa 16866.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Philipsburg.
Online condolences and memories may be submitted at www.beezerheathfh.com.
