Jay Stock

George Francis “Jay” Stock, Jr. 96, of Martins Ferry, Ohio peacefully left this earth Saturday, July 27, 2019 at Good Shepherd Nursing Home, Wheeling, WV.

He was born June 27, 1923 in Dillonvale, Ohio first born son of the late George and Helen (Ciereszewski) Stock. 

Jay was a graduate of Dillonvale High School and served in World War II as a Medic in the Aleutian Islands. In the Army he was introduced to photography, eventually becoming his lifelong career.   Upon completing his time in the service Jay married, had a family and worked in the Coal Mines of Ohio and for the Nickel Plate Railroad.  He studied at The Progressive School of Photography in New Haven, CT, using the G.I. Bill to purchase photography equipment.  After using a converted kitchen for a darkroom and a living room for his camera room he and his wife, Julia Mae established Jay’s Studio in Bridgeport and then Martins Ferry, Ohio.  They also owned Portrait Essay’s Gallery in Washington, PA.

Jay’s prolific career included a Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman Degrees from the Professional Photographers of America.  He holds Fellowships in the American Society of Photographers, the British Institute of Professional Photographers and Britain’s Royal Society of the Arts. 

Jay received the Warren Motts Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ohio Professional Photographers and was the premier recipient of the ASP’s International Award; Eastman Kodak’s Steuben Crystal Apple Award and the Professional Photographer’s of California’s Award of Excellence.  He is also a member of the International Photography Hall of Fame who hold a life body of his work.

Jay taught hundreds of professional photographers both nationally and internationally ensuring the continuance of fine art photography.  He is the author of articles and fine art publications.  His work has been exhibited at venues around the world including the U.S. Capitol Building, Carpenter Center for Visual Arts at Harvard University, the International Photography Hall of Fame and at Chalon sur Soane (the European Headquarters of Professional Photography).  His portraiture, was recently included in the first U.S. museum exhibition dedicated to portrait photography at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art. 

Locally, Jay was proud of his 2011 induction to the Martins Ferry Hall of Honor and the numerous opportunities to share his art at Oglebay Institute’s Stifel Fine Art Center.

Jay was preceded in death by his loving wife, Julia Mae Stock, Great Granddaughter Angel Rae Fialkowski, his parents George and Helen Stock, his sister Helen Wells, brothers Robert and Donald, Brother-in-Law Ed Wells, Sister-in-Law Mary Stock, Father and Mother-in-Law Andrew and Hester Dolak, Brother and Sister-in Law Walter and Betty Bartosek, Son-in-Law Gerald Cowan, Nephews Richard Wells, Dennis Stock, Great Nephew Craig Stock and Great Niece Morgan Stock.

Surviving are his children Lorlean ( Robert) Fialkowski of Bridgeport, OH Andrea Cowan of Martins Ferry, OH and Georgette Stock of the home.  Grandsons Bryan (Roberta) Fialkowski of Cleveland, OH and their children Vincenza and Andrew, Tim (Ashley) Fialkowski of Orlando, FL and their daughter Annie.   Additional grandchildren and great grandchildren of the Cowan family.  Brothers James (Betty) and Dennis (Jean) Stock of Amherst, OH , Sister-in-Law Loretta Stock of Youngstown, OH , nephews, nieces, of the Stock family, cousins and close friends.

A memorial visitation will be held Sunday, August 4th from 12p.m. to 6p.m. at Wilson Funeral Home, 920 National Rd. Bridgeport, OH 43912.  A Memorial Mass will be held Monday, August 5th at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Martins Ferry at 10 a.m. with Father Thomas Marut officiating.  Entombment to follow at Holly Memorial Gardens.  Military honors at the cemetery will be conducted by the Belmont County Veterans Association. 

Special thanks to the Administration, Caring Nurses and staff of Good Shepherd Nursing Home for the loving care provided to Jay.  Thank you to his caregivers for their exceptional attention.

Memorial Contributions may be made to:

St. Mary’s Church, 20 N. 4th Street, Martins Ferry, OH 43935 or The Daily Bread Center, 401 Fourth St, Rec Ctr, Martins Ferry, OH 43935.

To offer online condolences visit wilsonfuneralhomes.com. 

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