Postal worker attacked and killed by dogs had South Florida roots

The postal worker who was mauled by five dogs in North Florida and eventually died from her injuries had South Florida ties, attending elementary school in Plantation and high school in Fort Lauderdale, according to her obituary.

Pamela “Pam” Rock, 61, died Monday at the University of Florida Shands Trauma Center, one day after being attacked and mauled by five dogs in Interlachen, in Putnam County, which is about 45 miles east of Gainesville and about 70 miles southwest of Jacksonville. She was the youngest of 14 children.

Rock attended St. Gregory’s Catholic School in Plantation and then St. Thomas Aquinas High School. She then attended the University of Florida, where she spent four years in the Gator Marching Band before graduating in 1984 with a degree in nutrition and dietetics.

Rock spent three years working for the state of Florida’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, then spent three years with the Peace Corps in Guatemala educating women about proper nutrition for themselves and their families, then spent time in Yellowstone at an Indian reservation talking to women about infant nutrition.

She eventually worked for North Carolina and Georgia in their WIC programs before returning to Gainesville to work for the postal service.

Rock loved attending Florida Gators football games with a brother, according to her obituary.

She was delivering mail Sunday when her truck broke down in the Interlachen Lakes Estates area.

Five dogs escaped a fenced yard and attacked Rock.

The Putnam County Sheriff ’s Office is investigating and will determine whether charges will be filed against the dogs’ owner. The dogs were euthanized Thursday, according to a report.

A service of remembrance was held for Rock on Thursday.

Rock, the daughter of John and Jane Rock, is survived by 11 siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions in her honor can be made to St. Francis Pet Care in Gainesville.