William P. Hoban Jr.

1946 - 2024

"This is it." William P. (Billy) Hoban Jr. passed away on June 22, 2024, at Hospice of the Sacred Heart Inpatient Unit, with his wife of 50 years, Mary McGowan Hoban, and Maureen, his youngest daughter, holding his hands.

Born in Scranton on July 13, 1946 to the late William P. and Eleanor Quinn Hoban, he spent his early years at St. Paul's School where he excelled in spelling, winning countless awards for his orthographic prowess. After graduating from high school, he worked side by side with his father at W. P. Hoban Restaurant Equipment and Supplies, affectionately known by his immediate family as "the Store". At the age of 21, he became the sole proprietor of the Store which he operated for 40 years. Throughout his four decades in the restaurant industry, he demonstrated an admirable work ethic as he supported countless hotel and restaurant owners in the development of well-equipped, efficient kitchens that resulted in memorable dining experiences for their patrons. As a business owner he was exceedingly honorable in his sales practices often approached and thanked by those whom he helped.

Billy and Mary married on Sept. 8, 1973 and built a beautiful life for their three loving children, Bridget (Ben), Bo (Jillian) and Maureen (Jeffrey). Providing for his family was his primary mission in life and he was unwavering in seeing that mission to its end. As a second-generation Irishman his additional mission was to ensure his children understood the beauty of being Irish. They grew up listening to the Clancy Brothers, learning Irish fight songs, and marching around the dining room table behind him as they participated in a small ceremony to put the Irish flag on the front porch.

Despite his acumen for sales, he was an unapologetic introvert. He was happiest in his chair with his clicker watching the Stock Market ticker, fretting over the weather, and learning everything he could about World War II. He adored having his wife and children near him and was a master of always making them laugh. As his family grew, his joy of being with his family grew too. The arrival of Bridget's stepsons, Bennie and Alex, into the Hoban clan brought added enjoyment; he constantly checked on the boys to ensure they were safe and happy. The true loves of his life were his grandsons, Hunter Conall and Henry Patrick, in whose presence he absolutely delighted. Whether they were covering him in stickers or snuggling in his catcher's mitt embrace, Pop exuded love.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Agnes and Bridget Nora DePasquale; his granddaughter, Grace Bridget; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jay and Maureen McGowan. He is survived by his wife, his children and their spouses, grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Frank DePasquale and Tim (Theresa) McGowan; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral Mass will be held at St. Paul's Church, 1510 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 27, 2024. Friends may call from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow the funeral Mass at Cathedral Cemetery. Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 30 E.D. Preate Drive, Suite 108, Moosic, PA 18507.

Arrangements, Albert P. O'Donnell Funeral Home, 2025 Green Ridge St., Dunmore.