Richard M. Strock

Father Richard M. Strock entered into eternal life on July 15, 2014 at Parkway Village Nursing Facility; he had been a resident there for four years. A native of northeast Pennsylvania, Father Strock was ordained to the Catholic Priesthood for service in the Diocese of Little Rock on May 29, 1965. He was subsequently assigned to St. Thomas, Fayetteville, Holy Souls, Little Rock, Holy Redeemer, El Dorado, St. Patrick, North Little Rock, and Christ the King, Fort Smith as an assistant pastor until 1973 when he entered Fordham University, New York, for studies in Religious Education. Upon completion of his studies he was appointed Diocesan Director of Religious Education. After temporarily helping out at St. Agnes in Mena and its Missions of Waldron and Mt. Ida, Father Strock was assigned pastor of St. Francis, Forrest City, followed by pastorships at St. Mary, North Little Rock, Christ the King, Fort Smith, Sts. Cyril and Methodius, Slovak and its Mission of Holy Trinity, England. In 1997 he became pastor of St. Mary, Siloam Springs, retiring in 2004. Father Strock was a quiet man, serene, but dutifully attended to his priestly responsibilities. He was a solitary man, but among his friends he was loyal and faithful. He suffered for many years with inner ear difficulties, but quietly suffered for many years. Dick is survived by his sister, Gladys Smith of Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania, and a few nieces and nephews. A Vigil Service will be prayed for Father Strock on Sunday evening, July 20, in the Cathedral of St. Andrew Church, Little Rock, Arkansas at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be concelebrated on Monday, July 21, at 10 a.m. with Bishop Anthony Taylor presiding. Committal services will take place at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Cemetery, Slovak immediately following the funeral. Arrangements by North Little Rock Funeral Home. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.