John H. "Jack" Nock II

John H. “Jack” Nock, a journalist, healthcare executive, and beloved husband, father, and grandfather, died on November 11, 2024 at the age of 82 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Jack was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he developed a love for storytelling and language. He arrived in Arizona on April 9, 1961, while serving in the Air Force and soon became the editor of the base newspaper at Luke Air Force Base.

After completing his service, Jack began a dual career that would span journalism and healthcare management. His greatest accomplishment, however, was his family, particularly marrying the love of his life, Mary Ann Esler, whom he met at Arizona State University.

Jack’s journalism career began with a high school dream fulfilled when he joined The Phoenix Gazette as a copy boy—a role he called “the best job to learn the workings of a newspaper.” Within 15 months, he was promoted to reporter, and soon after, he joined United Press International (UPI), where he spent 18 years, the last eight as Arizona’s state political editor. Jack covered pivotal state issues, including the Legislature, the State Supreme Court, and other agencies, winning three Arizona Press Club awards along the way.

In 1983, Dr. Donald F. Schaller, then director of Arizona’s AHCCCS program under Governor Bruce Babbitt, recruited Jack to serve as the program’s information officer. Though leaving journalism was a difficult decision, Jack took on the role, ultimately discovering a new passion in healthcare management.

Jack later joined Schaller Anderson, Inc. (SAI), a healthcare consulting and management firm founded by Dr. Schaller, Joe Anderson, and PJ Davis. Over the years, Jack held roles as Vice President of Marketing and Chief Operating Officer, becoming a trusted partner in the firm. His guidance led Arizona Physicians IPA to a Silver Anvil Award from the Public Relations Society of America for its innovative Kids Clothes Swap Meets, along with other accolades. SAI grew from the original three founders plus Jack, to 1,600 employees across several states.

Jack retired as an SAI partner in 2004. In retirement, he and Mary Ann traveled throughout Europe and the United States, he displayed his 1932 Ford Roadster at car shows, and he participated in an archaeological dig near Philadelphia.

Retirement allowed Jack to fall in love again with California’s Central Coast, a location he often visited with Mary Ann early on in their relationship. He and Mary Ann purchased a summer home in the picturesque town of Arroyo Grande, just south of San Luis Obispo, where he honed his fishing skills off Pismo Pier and developed a love of fine wine, Doc Burnstein’s ice cream and the "SLO life." Jack and Mary Ann also relished their summers there with friends and family, who visited often. 

California also gave Jack the time and beautiful weather to be outside with his best buddy, his dog George. Many hours were spent at the Elm Street Dog Park, riding with the top down, and walking near the sandy dunes of Grover Beach. Jack loved all dogs, but he loved his rescue dogs the most. 

Jack was dedicated to his community in Arizona as well, serving as chairman of the Osborn Educational Foundation, volunteering for the Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter, and (despite not being a golfer) joining the Pinewood Country Club.

Known for his straightforwardness, he abhorred euphemisms, hence the use of "died" in this obituary instead of "passed." He also hated the conversion of nouns to verbs, trendy overused words (proactive and actually, as examples) and general misuse of the English language.

Jack never knew a stranger. He was always thrilled to bump into a friend or acquaintance and often ended conversations with “glad to know ya!” 

All of Jack’s best attributes shone through in his parenting. Jack was a devoted and loving father and grandfather. He never missed a game, performance or opportunity to let his daughters or grandchildren know how much he loved them. He seized every chance to fill his kids' lives with laughter and joy.

Jack is survived by his wife of 47 years, Mary Ann; his daughters, Emily (Dan) Lawler and Molly (Jose) Carrillo; and three grandchildren, Olivia, Jack, and Ella, all of Phoenix. He is also survived by his siblings, Jim (Betty) of Irwin, PA; David of Virginia Beach, VA; Rita McWilliams of Level Green, PA; and Becky (Marty) Kucic of Turtle Creek, PA. He was preceded in death by his brother, Allan.

Jack’s legacy lives on in his family, his contributions to Arizona’s journalism and healthcare communities, and the countless lives he touched with his warmth, wit, and unwavering sense of integrity.

A memorial service honoring Jack's life is being planned for January 12, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. Updates will be provided in the near future. 

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to KJZZ - Friends of Public Radio Arizona or the Elm Street Dog Park in Arroyo Grande, California.