Lawrence John Jock Jr., 58, former President and Publisher of The Daily Times and owner of the Coastal Fisherman newspaper in Ocean City, died Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020.

Born in Camden, N.J., he was the son of Maureen Kelly Jock and the late Lawrence John Jock Sr.

He graduated from Kean University in New Jersey, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. He then began a 35-year career in the newspaper business, working for Lancaster Media Inc., Westminster Media Group in Pittsburgh and Gannett Co. Inc.

Jock was named President of the Delmarva Media Group when Gannett purchased it from Thomson Newspapers in 2000. In addition to the Salisbury-based daily, he oversaw numerous weekly newspapers across the Peninsula.

He joined Gannett in 1990, serving as Controller at newspapers in Utica, N.Y., and Cherry Hill, N.J., and later as President and Publisher of the Valley News Dispatch in Tarentum, Pa.

He left Gannett in May 2005 and purchased the Coastal Fisherman newspaper. There, he worked as Editor, Photographer and Publisher.

He was regarded as one of the Gannett Co.’s top performers, winning a coveted corporate President’s Ring three times, including for his work as Salisbury’s Publisher.

He will be remembered for his deep intelligence and professional passion. His robust and infectious laugh was nearly legendary. He was devoted to his family and was a loyal friend. His love of fishing sparked a lasting impact on the Delmarva fishing community.

He was a member of Holy Savior Catholic Church in Ocean City, the Synepuxent Gun Club, the Salisbury Gun Club and the Ocean City Marlin Club. 

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 34 years, Mary Jock; a son, Lawrence Jock III; two brothers, Tom Jock of Ocean City and John Jock of Egg Harbor Township, N.J.; and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020, at Holy Savior Catholic Church in Ocean City. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. at the church, prior to the mass.

Donations may be made to the Autistic Children's Support Group of Worcester County, PO Box 1322, Ocean Pines, MD 21811, or the Ocean City Reef Foundation, PO Box 1072, Ocean City, MD 21843.

Arrangements are in the care of Bishop-Hastings Funeral Home in Selbyville.