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Jack Hoban Obituary
Jack (John) Michael Hoban passed away unexpectedly on August 30th, 2020. He leaves behind an incredible legacy of love, compassion, laughter and most importantly family. Jack was born on June 8th, 1955 to John Francis and Joanne Marè (Lynn) Hoban. He was a lifelong Delawarean who grew up in New Castle on what he referred to as the "mean streets of Garfield Park." He attended Holy Spirit Elementary and Salesianum and Dickinson High Schools before graduating from the University of Delaware with a degree in Journalism and receiving an MBA from Eastern University.
Jack was an incredibly loving father, proud grandfather, devoted husband, dedicated brother and brother/son in law, and joke-cracking uncle. He lived for spending time with his family, listening to music, and telling jokes and stories, often on repeat. And laughing and laughing.
Jack retired from UPS after 32 years of dedicated service and started a second career at Sposato Landscaping, but his true passion was writing. He wrote stories to bring people together and share his compassionate world views. He wrote for local papers and became a published author when he proudly co-penned "The People Secret."
Jack was an athlete and played football through high school and college. He was also a huge Philadelphia sports fan, and one of his best memories was watching the Eagles win the Super Bowl, surrounded by dozens of family members and his new grandson Henry. He also had a passion for music that he loved to share with everyone around him.
But Jack's legacy will truly be his family and his approach to life. He was grateful for everything he had and every moment he was given. He cherished time with his large family more than anything else in the world. He was generous, funny, and quick to provide support or guidance to anyone who needed it. He believed strongly in "working to live" not "living to work". He was an enthusiastic dad and did everything with so much love for his daughters. At every stage of their lives he made sure they knew how much he loved them and how proud he was of them.
Jack is survived by his wife of 37 years Denise (DiSabatino) Hoban, daughters Ali and Lauren Hoban, son in law Colin Cavallaro, grandson Henry Hoban Cavallaro, sisters Ann Vernon, Lynn Carre, Patricia Hoban and Kate Ragan, as well as a flock of nieces, nephews and cousins.
A public visitation will be held on Thursday evening from 5-7pm at The Pagano Funeral Home, 3711 Foulk Rd, Garnet Valley, PA. Due to COVID restrictions, the funeral service will be private. The family invites relatives and friends for an outdoor celebration of life on Friday from 1-3pm at Hunter Barn, Bellevue State Park, 800 Carr Rd. Wilmington, DE. Jack was passionate about politics and believed in the best of America. In lieu of flowers, please remember Jack by voting Trump out of office on November 3rd and consider making a donation to the ACLU of Delaware at https://www.aclu-de.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jack Hoban
Sponsored by Pagano Funeral Home.
Keith Murdah
August 25, 2025
Great UPS partner and friend.
Carol Mack Warner
September 9, 2020
I worked with Jack at UPS as Employment Manager when he was a supervisor in Personnel in West Chester. He was a great guy to be around with a terrific sense of humor and a great work ethic. I remember how happy he was when he bought a new home for his wife Denise, and family he loved so much.
I am so sadden to learn of his passing. Please accept my condolences.
Phyllis Fantini
September 3, 2020
Dear Denise and Family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of Jack. I actually met him when we were still in high school and then worked with him at UPS. I had not seen him in years but was kept up-to-date about him from Joe Vanveen. I am glad that I was able to visit with him and meet you, Denise, when we had dinner in Lewes last September with Joe and Nancy. You two seemed to be excited about moving back up north to be closer to your grandson. Jack was also the person who suggested I apply for the next day air service that UPS started in 1990, in which I got the job. I was one of the "original 6" and really enjoyed the job. Was very saddened when reading the text Joe sent me regarding his passing.
You and your family are in my thoughts.
Bruce Trotter
September 3, 2020
Bruce Trotter
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
Denise, Ali and Lauren our prayers are with you on this your unexpected loss. Jack and I worked together for many years at UPS. I know for sure that Jack was gifted by God to lift so many of us mortals to a higher playing field when it came to grammatical expression.Jack gave us an insight into how we should all be positive, enthusiastic and persistent in all we write, talk and walk in our daily lives. Jack had a very humbling and honest way of of making us visualize and analyze the English vocabulary in a spirited and honest way. Jack knew he was gifted by God and used that gift to help so many of us along the way both on the job and in general life. I know even as I write this epitaph about a great friend and human being he would say "Bruce you may want to phrase it like this". Jack I light this candle for you and your wonderful family for those great memories that will never burn out.
Joe Vanveen
September 3, 2020
What a great guy. He was the funniest person I ever knew.Things happened around Jack that didn’t happen around other people.So many stories. I’ll hold on to them they always give you a smile.Love you all.
Keith Murdah
September 2, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Lou Mancari
September 2, 2020
I knew Jack most directly in the 18 months of our freshman year at Sallies and just afterwards. We played football together on the freshman team. He was a tough runner with lots of heart. He was always good for a laugh and to sing a song in the locker room. His dad worked with my dad at Dupont in Newport, DE. When his dad died we were crushed. We met again when we played against each other for the state championship game December 1972. He called me on the phone after the game to congratulate me and was so very gracious in defeat and was actually pretty funny. If I had stayed in DE I would have enjoyed some fellowship with him in this later years. May the Lord comfort his family as they recall a life well lived and a man so lovable who also had such an ability to love. Grace and Peace to you. Lou Mancari
Scott Fasnacht
September 2, 2020
Denise and family,
My deepeset sympathies to you all. I learned a great deal from Jack over the many years that I worked for him and with him. He was a coach who always worked to get the best from his team. Perhaps his greatest strength was his willingness to get in the trenches with you and work side-by-side to get the job done. I'll always remember that laugh. It was always great to hear it bellowing across a meeting room. Jack was a great mentor and colleauge, but an even better friend. I shall miss him a lot.
Daniel Dellegrotti
September 2, 2020
So sorry to learn about Jack. My deepest sympathies to the entire Hoban family.
Mary Vernon
September 1, 2020
So very sorry to read about Jack.
With deepest sympathy,
George and Mary Vernon
TENUI NEC DIMITTAM
September 1, 2020
TENUI NEC DIMITTAM-"I HAVE TAKEN HOLD AND WILL NOT LET GO"-LATIN MOTTO OF SALESIANUM/SALLIES WILMINGTON DE-SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO FAMILY/FRIENDS-DEERHURST WAS GOOD PLACE TO LIVE.
Geralyn Flora
September 1, 2020
So sorry to hear about Jack. Prayers to you and your family
Karen Vernon
September 1, 2020
We are so sorry to hear of Jack's passing! Jim & Karen Vernon
Elizabeth (Betsy) Shamany
September 1, 2020
Dear Denise/Family, I'm very sorry for your loss. You and Jack were my neighbors in Salem Woods. I moved to Florida fourteen years ago and learned of Jack's passing by reading it via the online newspaper. I fondly remember Jack's wonderful sense of humor. I couldn't have asked for better neighbors. You/family are in my thought's and prayers during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth (Betsy) Shamany
Ralph Caldwell
August 31, 2020
On Jack's most recent birthday I noted on Facebook... 'Whenever I think of you, Jack, two principles come to mind that are enduring traits of your mentorship and collegiality: 1. "Everyone has something to contribute," a notion that holds true at work and in life; 2. "Share the credit," likewise at work and in life.' I am saddened by his passing.
To the family, thanks for sharing this wonderful person with the world. And, as suggested, in lieu of flowers I will be doing what Jack would have wanted at the voting booth.
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