Charles Thomas Schock

Charles Thomas Schock (Tom) died on June 8 at age 62 at Our Lady of Fatima Hospital in North Providence, RI. He was the son of Charles David Schock of Wakefield, RI and Nancy Carpenter Schock, deceased. Tom made the most of life, although he was limited from birth by Duchenne muscular dystrophy. He graduated from Lexington High School (Lexington, MA), studied at Boston University, and Earned a B.A. and M.A. from the University of Arizona in Tucson in psychology and counseling. He later lived and worked in Boston at Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission as a rehabilitation counselor. Despite his increasingly debilitating condition, he had tremendous empathy for others, and his upbeat attitude was an inspiration to many. He lived most of his life with his family in Lexington, attended to by personal care attendants (PCAs), who were managed by him with help from the Boston Center for Independent Living. Some of his PCAs stayed with him for decades. He loved music, people, and new experiences. He looked forward to and enjoyed the many adventures and outings with PCAs, friends, and family. His last years were spent in the respiratory care unit at Eleanor Slater Hospital in Cranston, RI, where he was well cared for by the doctors and staff. He lived 62 full years, in large part due to his determination and courage, and to the love of family, friends, and dedicated caregivers. While he was more physically able in his younger years, he was a skilled musician, sculptor, and artist. He remained a lover of nature and environmentally conscious his entire life. He is survived by his father; sisters Penelope Simpson of Kingston, RI, Janet Kraus of Kingston, RI, and Patricia Rosenthal of Evergreen, CO; and his brother David Schock of Wakefield, RI. Arrangements are being handled by Avery-Storti Funeral Home in Wakefield, RI. A Celebration of Tom’s life will be held at the Kingston Congregational Church, Kingston, RI, at 10am on July 8th. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in Tom’s name to the Boston Center for Independent Living, 60 Temple Place, Boston, MA, 02111.