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David Hoch Obituary
Early in life he discovered his love of literature and learning. He earned a master's degree at the University of Florida and then earned a Ph.D at Kent State. In 1969, he came to The University of Toledo as a professor of English teaching courses on the American Transcendentalists. During his time at UT he was chair of the English Department 6 years and then director of the Honors Program 13 years. While director of the Honors Program he oversaw the creation of the honors residence hall, and Sullivan Hall on campus. He was particularly proud of incorporating service learning into the Honors Program and he regularly volunteered alongside his students. David enjoyed helping students find their own paths in life. He was steadfast in his belief that any student who worked hard deserved a world class education regardless of their background or income.
In addition to his work, he loved exercise. He was a distance runner with lots of running buddies, and a regular at the Wildwood Athletic club. His determination and physical fitness fought off cancer for over 6 years. Even after surgeries and chemotherapy he returned to exercising every afternoon. He enjoyed the Toledo Art Museum and the Toledo orchestra as well as watching the three stooges on television. He had an inside joke with everyone he met.
He is survived by his wife, Julia; his son, John; his daughter-in-law, Lori, and his granddaughter, Ella. His family was much wider than his relatives and he is survived by many dear friends who supported him through his illness and are part of his family. He is remembered by colleagues and former and current students at UT. His devotion to his life's work, his family and to overcoming cancer is an inspiration to those who knew him.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 2, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church, 2210 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo. The family requests that donations be made to The David Hoch Honors Scholarship Fund, UT Foundation, c/o Mary Morrison, 28a 01 W. Bancroft, Mail Stop 319, Toledo, OH, 43606.
The Reeb Funeral Home, Sylvania, assisted the family with arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Hoch
Len Pacitti
March 19, 2022
He was an inspiration to me and I´m certain to all who knew him. My deepest sympathy to those he left behind.
Torie Front
April 19, 2006
I considered Dave a good friend. He was an excellent listener, with a great sense of humor, and tireless dedication to service and for his work at UT. He will be missed greatly.
The best 'story' about him was early on, when UT was a relatively new member of Ohio Campus Compact, in their second year, they did not pay dues. There was a bunch of run-around between departments, and because Dave was my contact, I had to keep calling him, asking when the dues would be paid. It got to be a joke, and he would refer to himself as the 'Deadbeat in Toledo.' For years we continued with that nomenclature!!
Lesha Farias
April 18, 2006
I was always struck by David's dignity, good humor and professionalism, even during his illness. I will always remember his kindness and unique sense of humor, and how hard he tried in whatever task was put before him.
Katie Whittington-Perkowski
April 4, 2006
I'm certain I'm not alone in saying that Dr. Hoch was like a father to me during my time at UT. He came to all my performances at the Music School, and was always quick to express his pride in me. He was the best school advisor I've ever had, the best life advisor I've ever had, and I loved him. My deepest sympathies to Mrs. Hoch & John
John Rutter
April 3, 2006
To The Family and Friends of David Hoch,
Dave became a gym friend not long after I joined Wildwood Athletic Club. It seemed no matter when I came David could be found pumping away on an elyptical machine. We became aquainted by dicussing the news and events on the TVs suspended in front of us. He appeared to be a thoughtful dignified man and he was. But I soon found out he had a great love for humor and I enjoyed trading offhanded sarcasm about the absurdities of everyday life. He didn't talk about himself much. I knew he was an English professor at TU but little more. He looked the part! I knew he loved to run but had to give it up. The explanation of his physical limitations was vague. When I saw his drastic weight loss I began to understand the battle he had waged. David was such a classy warm guy, someone I won't forget! He was one of my gym buddies!
Sarah Perz
March 31, 2006
I was saddened to learn of Dr. Hoch's death, but not surprised to read all the wonderful tributes to him here and in the Blade's article. My family and I first met him on my campus visit to UT, and when I decided to attend and be a part of the Honors Program, he became my advisor for 4 years. He was extremely dedicated to his students and I will always remember and appreciate his guidance and dry sense of humor. I know my parents were glad to have their daughters in such good hands too! (My sister also graduated from UT and was advised by Dr. Hoch.)
Class of 2000
Marie Campbell
March 27, 2006
Julie and John
It was a pleasure to meet David I felt that he trusted me and you both made me feel very welcome in your home.I am sorry for your loss.I wish I could have known David sooner in life he touched me in the short time I was with him.Take care.
Beth Tittl
March 27, 2006
Dr. Hoch was a great man. He was genuine, caring, and supportive to his students, and brought out the best in many. He inspired so many students, and eased the minds of so many mothers! Any parent would be more at ease knowing that their college student had an encouraging influence right on campus. I know my mom was. (Except for the time he encouraged me to become a philosophy major- she wasn't too thrilled about that!) Dr. Hoch will live on, not only in the hearts and minds of the thousands of students, families, and academics he touched, but also in every one of their successes. For he had a part in creating each one.
I will always remember his white hair and his broad smile.
My condolences to his family, who will miss him more than any of the rest of us.
Beth Tittl, UT 2000
Eileen Krejny
March 27, 2006
I first met Dr. Hoch, when my daughter, Meredith, went to Toledo University. Dr Hoch was so friendly and outgoing. In just a few moments you could tell what a wonderful person he was--he just exuded friendship and a genuine love for his work. Dr Hoch did so many wonderful things for my daughter while she was at Toledo, I will never forget him. I was so saddened to hear of his death. I will always remember when he took my daughters and me to the Toledo Art Museum. We had such fun with him, and we really appreciated the insight into art that he gave us that day. He was the calmest and most laid-back person I had ever met, and he could motivate his students in such wonderful ways. I always looked forward to stopping and seeing him when I came to visit Meredith. He has made such an indelible mark on our hearts that we will always remember him. Dr. Hoch, you will be missed!
Irwin & Kay Horowitz
March 26, 2006
You would know what I mean: you went long, my old friend.
Len Pacitti
March 24, 2006
Professor Hoch inspired me, believed in me and he will always hold a special place in my heart.
Grief, unfortunately, is the price we must pay for love. David Hoch loved and was loved by many and now we are paying that price. the joy he brought to all of our lives will live on forever and the grief slowly replaced with remembering how blessed we were to have had him in our lives.
To his family my sincere condolonces and prayers...we share in your loss and he will be forever remembered.
Len Pacitti (1967)
Jessica Jackson
March 24, 2006
Dr. Hoch was an inspiration to his students. He challenged each of us to reach for lofty goals and to devote our lives to the pursuit of knowledge. Dr. Hoch was a wonderful professor, but more than that, he was a friend. He was proud of each of us no matter what we did or if we did nothing at all.
Dr. Hoch, you are a wonderful man and you will be missed by all. Thank you for your inspiration.
Love always,
Jessica E. Jackson
Class of 2002
Donovan Nichols
March 24, 2006
There is so much to say about Dr. David Hoch….the man…the myth…the legend! He has been truly inspirational in many people’s lives, including my own. As a member of the UT Honors Program, I had the distinct pleasure of getting to know this gentle and passionate servant leader of The University of Toledo. Dr. Hoch was always willing to spend time talking with me about school and life. He always made time for his students. I am currently the AmeriCorps*VISTA at The University of Toledo because Dr. Hoch encouraged me to apply for the position. Dr. Hoch, who had a passion for service, openly reached out his hand to invite me into the world of service-learning. I could never thank Dr. Hoch enough, but he is the type of altruistic man who wouldn’t need the thanks. In Dr. Hoch’s name, I will continue to serve higher education students and encourage them to live a fulfilled life, just as Dr. Hoch had so prominently accomplished.
Dr. Hoch will be missed physically, but his teachings and passion will live on forever in our memories and actions.
With much love and admiration,
Donovan Nichols
The University of Toledo
Honors Graduate ‘04
AmeriCorps*VISTA 2005-2006
Ed Zraik
March 24, 2006
Although it has been a long time, I still have fond memories of time spent at the Hoch household and of Dr. Hoch. I am saddened by the loss; my deepest sympathies to Mrs. Hoch and John.
Susan Fisher
March 24, 2006
Dear Julie and John,
What a huge loss. I'm stunned and so sad.
David Hoch was one of the best teachers I have ever had. I've loved American writers ever since, especially Thoreau. Dave helped me immensely when I worked on my Master's degree--guiding and giving of his time unselfishly. He even suggested a topic: Evidence of the Leviathan in Moby Dick (something light, he said at the time!) We had our inside joke--something about a critic deserving to be in jail--as was mentioned here.
He loved you, Julie, more than life itself. He glowed when he spoke of you. I remember when John was born, too. Dave was thrilled to have this miracle of life as his own son!
We learned so much from both Dave and you, Julie: how to be generous, how to be studious, how to be good hosts, how to be good friends. My prayers are with the family and for Dave.
Ann Marie Grossman
March 24, 2006
Have you ever met someone and instantly knew that you were in the presence of someone special? Such is the case of Dr. Hoch. I first met him in 2004 on a campus visit with my daughter. He struck me as such a kind and genuine soul. Through conversations with my daughter, I learned that my first impression was completely accurate. Not only was he a wonderful educator and mentor, but a friend I am sure, to many students. His memory will live on through all the lives he has touched.
Richard Kinsley
March 24, 2006
It was both and honor and privllege to have known and worked with David. His commitment to students, education, and serivce, was and will continue to be and inspiration to all who look for the good in people and the world.
Richard Kinsley
Executive Director
Ohio Campus Compact
Ann Hinkle
March 24, 2006
I have so many memories of Dr. Hoch while I was at UT 1999-2003. I had the opportunity to work for him in Sullivan Hall as well as with SHC. What a remarkable man who never lost sight of what was truly important in life. He always spoke so highly of his family and my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. He will be greatly missed.
Duane Herron
March 24, 2006
I met Dr. Hoch when I became a part of the Honors Program back in 2002. A very softspoken, eloquent guy, I am glad to have known someone so passionate about his work; a role model many of us looked up to. I cherish the many great experiences in the Honors Center. Rest in peace, my friend.
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