Charlie + Pat Nock

When newly married Charlie and Pat Nock became members of St. Raphael Parish in Bay Village nearly 60 years ago, they began a legacy of Christ-like service and generosity that has spread throughout the lives of their four children and 11 grandchildren.

From the beginning, the Nocks’ commitment to Catholic education has inspired their giving. Not only did their four sons attend St. Raphael School and St. Ignatius High School, but Pat also volunteered for 25 years as a tutor at Urban Community School (UCS), which serves primarily low-income children and is a sponsored ministry of the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland, and was a 20-year United Way volunteer. Over the years, Charlie also served on the boards of UCS, St. Ignatius, Central Catholic High School and St. Raphael, and he was a 40-year trustee of Catholic Charities.

That charitable example set at home and in their Catholic education led the Nocks’ sons to become active with their own children in such organizations as the West Side Catholic Center, Moriah House Women’s and Children’s Shelter, St. Martin de Porres High School and UCS. “Our grandchildren have learned from their own families that you have to give back,” Pat says.

As members of the Heritage Society, the Nocks created a fund to support Catholic Charities as part of their estate. Their generous donations over the years have funded a variety of ministries, but closest to their hearts is the Church’s work in urban education and healthcare.

In describing her family’s philosophy on giving, Pat invokes the Jesuit mantra of men for others, which inspired her sons’ St. Ignatius education: “It’s not for you, it’s for others. That’s been instilled in them, and I hope they remember it all their lives.” Adds Charlie: “We try to help others because we have been blessed with so many good things.”