Joseph Howard Hoch

HOCH  Joseph Howard Hoch, known to friends and loved ones as Howard, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren on January 9th, 2021. He was 88 years old. Howard was born in Philadelphia and joined the US Navy at the age of 18. Beginning his naval career as a coxswain, he eventually became a cook, sparking a lifelong passion. Howard was known to say as a navy man, he’d “rather peel potatoes than steer a ship.” While in the Navy, Howard began writing letters to his future wife, Mae (nee Jensen). Howard was employed in many areas over the course of his life before finding his true calling. He worked as a milkman, as an employee for the Container Corporation, and for King’s Caterers. He went after his dream and founded his own family business, Howard’s Caterers, in the Frankford section of Philadelphia, in 1970. Howard was a self-starter, and he led others by his example. Along with his wife, and business partner Mae, he grew Howard’s Caterers from a single lunch truck into a thriving catering business from the Eddington Room in Bensalem, PA. One of the happiest people you’d ever meet, he was known for always having a smile. He wanted to pass that joy onto everyone he knew, a firm believer that you could always find success in your happiness. No stranger to a hard day’s work, Howard empowered his children and employees in pursuing their dreams, through higher education, hard work, and perseverance. He lived his faith by being present and generous with his time. He was one of the “helpers” Mr. Rogers encouraged us to look for in times of trouble, always there to lend a hand. He was an active member of his church (St. Joachim/ Philadelphia, PA, Espiritu Santo/ Safety Harbor, FL ), a Boy Scout Leader, a Grand Knight in Knights of Columbus, an avid traveler, a hopeless romantic, a dreamer, a doer, a fierce card player (you didn’t want to make a mistake if you were on his team, trust me!), a nature lover, a campfire expert, a story teller, a lover of Phillies baseball, and a man, ultimately, whose faith in God directed his daily path. Howard is survived by his loving wife, Mae (nee Jensen), and his children: Stephen, Michael, Beth Anne, Joseph, Regina, Mary, Joan, and Susanne, and his grandchildren: Christopher, Jennifer, Joann, Michael, Jessica, Larissa, Michelle, Andrew, Harrison, and Daniel as well as his 7 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild. He is preceded in death by his parents: Harry and Josephine, his siblings: Thomas, Catherine, George, William, Freddy, Edward, Raymond, Francis and John, and his grandson, Bryan. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia: csfphiladelphia.org. Relatives and friends are invited to Howard’s Celebration of Life 9:00 A.M. Saturday, May 22 at St. Joachim Church, 1527 Church St., Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 A.M., Entombment Resurrection Cemetery. Due to Covid restrictions, masks are required and we ask you practice social distancing. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia: csfphiladelphia.org. Services will be coordinated by Nulty Funeral Home: www.nultyfuneralhome.com.