"We are so sorry to learn of the passing of our dear friend and fellow classmate at Pennsylvania Military College. Known to us as "Hoker", John was so much fun to be around and had this infectious laugh and good sense of humor. John was beloved for his willingness to put others before himself and his thirst for knowledge and always trying to support the right causes. His passing came so suddenly that it has been a bit difficult to comprehend, but we know how much he missed his beloved wife who proceeded him in death a few years ago. We are so glad that he was willing to join his fellow PMC classmates at Homecoming events and luncheons arranged y his fellow classmate Ed Farrell the last several years to let him know he was beloved and cared for. We are glad that John did not have to suffer long and in his infinite mercy, God took him home to be with his beloved. Also glad to hear that John's constant companion of the last few years, Zack his adopted animal shelter dog will be well carried for by his son, John Jr. and his family. Apologize for the delay in posting this memorial tribute, but having difficulty accepting that John is no longer with us. Good memories though of one of the best and kindest members of the PMC Class of '66 (The Best Class) Our condolences to John's family and wishing them fond memories of all his proud moments. John Lynch "
In loving memory of
John P. Hoke
January 24, 1944 - January 1, 2021
John P. Hoke, 76 of Haddon Township passed away on January 1, 2021. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, the late Joanne M. Hoke, whom he missed tremendously. He was the father of John J. Hoke (Marisol) of Niskayuna, N.Y. and grandfather to Maya Elizabeth and Jack Christian Hoke. John is also survived by his cousin, Sandra Hall of Coventry Connecticut, whom John cared for greatly.
John was born in Philadelphia to the late John K. Hoke and Jeanette Hoke and attended the Pennsylvania Military College (now Widener University) before serving in Vietnam and at the Presidio in San Francisco. John returned to Philadelphia after his active-duty service to earn a Master's degree from Villanova. John continued his service to this country by serving in the United States Army reserve for over twenty-five years earning the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. John had resided in Haddon Township since 1976.
John had an unquenchable lust for knowledge and was a voracious consumer of historical treaties and biographies of the leading historical figures of our day. John was as fluent in social, economic and political affairs as he was the latest Eagles defensive scheme. John loved sports and was an adept athlete excelling at tennis. John was also known to have a rocket for an arm from third base in the softball leagues that he participated in earlier in his life. But most importantly, John was an empathetic, honest and principled person. John strived to live in accordance with a poem by Adam Lindsay Gordon that he had posted in his office; Question not, but live and labour, till yon goal be won, helping every feeble neighbor, seeking help from none, life is mostly froth and bubble, two things stand like stone, kindness in anothers trouble, courage in your own.
There will be a visitation from 9:30-10:30am on Thursday, January 14 at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, 1010 Liberty Street, Camden, NJ 08104.
Funeral Mass to follow at 10:45am. Interment private at the request of the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations in John's memory be made to the Voorhees Animal Orphanage at www.vaonj.org where he adopted his last great companion, Zack.
Tributes
"Johnny, Jen, Karen, Jack and Maya, You have all been beyond wonderful in support and love for my beloved cousin, one of the very best, my dear "Jackie" Hoke. Love, Aunt Sandy and Barbara"
"I didn?t know John that well, I met him at the DOL monthly brunches, but he was such a nice person, and I always enjoyed our conversations. He?ll be greatly missed.. My deepest condolence to his family. Julia McBreen"
"Dear Sandy and Family, I am deeply saddened by your loss. Sandy you have told me so much about your cousin and I can clearly see how much you loved him. What a handsome man. What a beautiful picture you took of him. I can see some resemblance between you too. I am sorry your heart hurts, but that goes to show how great of a person he was if you loved him so much. I am sure his honest and goodness has inspired others to strive for the best. Big Hug"
"Dear Sandy and Family, What a beautiful picture you took of your cousin, Sandy. I can see some resemblance. I'm so sorry for the loss of your cousin. From what you have told me and from reading his loving obiturary, I can see why you loved him so much. A good man to say the least. Most certainly, the life he lived has inspired others to be as honest and good. Beautiful "
"A Luminous Light Remains Where A Beautiful Soul Has Passed. With Sympathy, Dale Christensen "
"A Luminous Light Remains Where A Beautiful Soul Has Passed. With Sympathy, Dale Christensen "
" John P. Hoke was my Classmate at PMC. Never in the same Company, but enjoyed the Bond that all Cadets share. Jac Brower and John Hoke lived rather close. Several times we met for Lunch. On one occasion I complained about contacting Joe Garcia. Told them, I planned to ring his door bell! John asked that I call him before going to Joe's. The following day, John called and asked if I was available Wednesday? I responded yes! He asked me to met him and Joe Garcia at Wagman's. We met and enjoyed a wonderful Lunch and spent over three hours catching up. Living close made it easier to met, THE JERSEY GUYS, for Lunch. Great time and lots of Laughs. John was a well read man, willing to share his knowledge, books, and stories with all of us. he was the reason I started to read again. Not unusual to run into John at Barnes and Noble! Many Lunches we did not take pictures, but we soon found ourselves taking Selfies when we arrived or were leaving a Lunch. We Posted the pictures on the Class Web Site. I will miss his quick wit, smile, as well as his easy and relaxed way he carried himself. Rest in Peace my friend, until we met again on the other side, save me a seat at the Lunch table! You will Always be Remembered and Truely Missed! Ed Farrell Class of 1966 PMC "
"My condolences on John's passing. I went to PMC with John and was his tennis partner on the team while we were there. We had many great times together and can remember many a time that if the call was even close he would give the benefit to the opponent. Honest sometimes to a fault. He was the same in life. The world will miss him and his kindness."
"I used to walk John?s dog Zak and I got to know John during the last few months of his life. I only knew him for a short time, but he was always very kind and he cared deeply for Zak. He used to call him his ?guy? and give him a kiss. I?m going to miss him and I?m sure that Zak is missing him as well. May he Rest In Peace. ???"
"John & I were classmates at PMC & became friendly when we discovered that we lived only a few miles from each other. We shared many rides back & forth to PMC and after graduation & a couple years in the Army, served as Best Man at each other's weddings. John was an excellent athlete. We had many heated games of basketball and tennis during g college. Later, after the Army service, John & I served in the same Army Reserve unit. John became the coach of our reserve unit's softball team and guided the team to competitive finishes in tournaments against other reserve units. John was in communication with me all during y life. He and his wife, Joann, moved to Haddon Hts. Which is about 10 miles from Woodbury where Nancy & I settled. We shared a couple of Phillies games every summer & watched Eagles games at our homes with his friends & mine. A good time always. One of my fondest memories was tasing Joann I to making us an authentic Polish dinner. She reluctantly agreed, then decided to invite some other neighbors and friends & we all enjoyed a great meal and her description of how she made it. John was always supportive during our trials & tribulations. His optimism was always uplifting and his suggestions on target and helpful. I am blessed to have been close to John my entire adult life - from college on. My deepest sympathies to his son, Johnny and may John rest in peace."