Longtime Arlington resident John M. Couric, a former journalist and public relations executive, died Wednesday at Virginia Hospital Center, according to the Washington Post. He was 90.

Couric, father of broadcast journalist Katie Couric, died of complications from Parkinson's disease, the Post reported.

John Couric served in the U.S. Navy in World War II, participating in the invasion of Sicily and several high-profile battles in the Pacific Theater.

Couric once said he quit "the high priesthood of journalism" for public relations, a career move he made to support his family, the Post reported.