Pete Hutchinson “Hutch” Brock II, a former Dade City mayor who was active in community life — passed away on Jan. 26, at age 54.
Brock served on the Dade City Commission from 2000 to 2004, then as Dade City’s mayor from 2004 to 2008, according to an obituary posted on the Hodges Family Funeral Home website.
“While he was mayor, we had an unprecedented period of annexations – undeveloped property coming into the city of Dade City,” current Commissioner Scott Black told The Laker/Lutz News. “He was looking out for the future sustainability of the city.”
Brock also was involved in efforts to revitalize Dade City’s downtown and preserve its historic character, according to current Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez.
He “brought enthusiasm to the office of mayor” and his leadership left a distinct impression, she said.
“His focus on maintaining the historic charm of Dade City will not be forgotten,” Hernandez added.
Details of his public service were noted on the funeral home’s website and circulated by The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce.
Brock was an advocate for youth.
He served on the board of the Pasco Education Foundation, and he supported the work of the Boys & Girls Club in Lacoochee.
He gave of his time and talents for 20 years to Sunrise of Pasco County, an organization that provides shelter and services for survivors of domestic violence.
He maintained memberships with Rotary Clubs in Dade City and Wesley Chapel, and was named a Paul Harris Fellow. He served on the administrative council at his church, too.
Other areas of involvement included advocating for the renewal of Penny for Pasco, a tax initiative that increases Pasco County revenue; and, supporting the efforts of East and Central Pasco Habitat for Humanity, which helps families and individuals obtain affordable housing.
He was a sports enthusiast.
He played baseball and football in his youth, and coached youth baseball, flag football and soccer. He enjoyed outdoor activities, such as boating and fishing.
As a graduate of the University of Florida, he was an unabashed Gator fan.
Born on April 5, 1965, Brock grew up in Dade City. He attended Pasco High School before transferring to Jesuit High School, in Tampa, where he graduated.
After high school, he attended the University of Pennsylvania, before transferring in 1984 to the University of Florida, where he met his wife, Natalie.
He obtained his Bachelor of Science and Business Administration degree in 1987, then a law degree in 1990.
He was hired by Fowler White, a legal firm in Tampa, where he remained four years before moving back to his hometown and becoming a legal partner at Dade City’s Johnson, Auvil, Brock & Pratico, P.A. He remained there for over 17 years.
He launched his own practice, Brock Law LLC, in Wesley Chapel, in 2012. His legal work focused on personal injury, medical malpractice, nursing home neglect and employment disputes.
He and his wife, Natalie, had three sons, Carson, Coleman and Connor Mack, and a daughter, Ashton. Besides his wife and children, he is survived by his father Pete, and two sisters, Nancy and Haley.
Tributes on the funeral home’s website describe Brock as a great man, whose death is a loss for the community.
Commissioner Black seems to share that opinion.
“He’s always going to be revered, that’s for sure. He’ll have that legacy,” Black said.
Published February 05, 2020
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