Michael Steven Hocter

1961 - 2024

Michael Steven Hocter, 62, unexpectedly passed away on the morning of July 11, 2024, from complications surrounding his battle with cancer in Fernandina Beach, Fla.
He was born in Chicago, Ill., on Dec. 8, 1961, to his loving parents, Barabara Jean and Donald Hocter, and spent his childhood in Greenwich, Conn. Michael graduated with his Bachelor's degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Rochester Institute of Technology in New York. From there, he spent over 40 years building his career, working for many reputable restaurant chains and running his own restaurant business in Naples, Fla. He ended his career at a position he was most proud of, the COO of Ruby Tuesday's. He met many wonderful colleagues and friends along the way that shaped him into the strong leader that he was.
Growing up, he was an all-around athlete playing and loving all sports. Michael was a two-time collegiate All-American Shot-putter (missing the USA Olympic team by only an 1/8th an inch), played a year on the Washington Redskins, and competed in heavyweight powerlifting. He loved being outdoors, sitting on a beach, drinking dirty martinis, eating appetizers, and especially loved Christmas time.
He found the love of his life, Holly Hocter, in March of 2018, and they were wed on June 27 of 2020. They moved to Fernandina Beach after spending two weeks there for their honeymoon on Amelia Island. They fell in love with the town, being by the beach, the people and the magic of the island. They spent most of their time on the beach, boating, riding the Harley, and visiting their favorite restaurants for plenty of great food and wonderful cocktails. Michael is survived by his loving wife, Holly, of four years, and her three children, Lexy, Adam and Lilly, who he treated as his own.
Michael is also survived by three beautiful children whom he adored and loved so deeply, Nicolette, daughter (Peanut/Pickle), Don, son-in-Law, and first grandson, August; Callie, daughter (Fussball/Lamb); and Jameson, son (55/Jam Bam). They grew up spending lots of time by the water, exploring beaches and having sleepovers on their boat. Michael fueled their love of food and connection with others, with some of their earliest memories including him chasing them around the house with a live lobster he was planning to cook for their vacation in Martha's Vineyard. Michael was lovingly known to his children as "La Dad", which was fitting as he gave those he loved special nicknames too. Michael's kids are shared with his former wife, Carolyn Connolly. Michael leaves behind his mother, Barbara Jean, and brother, Bryan, as well.
His memorial service was held Tuesday, July 16, at 3 p.m. in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors.
We all love and miss him so dearly. He will forever be greatly missed.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.