Richard A. Hochman

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Bloomfield High School Bloomfield High School Montclair State University Rutgers University

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Costello Funeral Home

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Winchester, Massachusetts

Richard Hochman Obituary

Richard A. "Rick" Hochman, 78, a longtime resident of Winchester, passed away on June 24th, 2021 after a period of declining health. Born in Passaic, NJ., Rick was the beloved son of the late Murray and Marie (Schmidt) Hochman. Raised and educated in Bloomfield, NJ., Rick was a graduate of Bloomfield High School. He attended Montclair State University in NJ where he obtained his degree in Education and Rutgers University for his Master's Degree in Geography. Mr. Hochman taught at West Essex Junior High in North Caldwell, NJ for over twenty-seven years. During that time, Rick had returned to Montclair State University for administrative courses in case he wanted to become a principal, but ultimately decided that he loved classroom teaching more. In his spare time, Rick enjoyed traveling. He had traveled to six continents, although never desired to visit Antarctica. He was a longtime member of the Winchester Unitarian Society. Rick was predeceased by his Life Partner Willson B. Gray in 2003 and a brother Robert W. Hochman. He is lovingly survived by his dear friend Warren W. Orr of Winchester and four nephews. Funeral Services are private and burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Hillside, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rick's memory may be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Costello Funeral Home of Winchester. costellofuneralhome.com

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Published by The Winchester Star from Jun. 28 to Jul. 1, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Hochman

Sponsored by Costello Funeral Home.

12 Entries

H G

September 24, 2021

Sorry to hear this news. Mr. Hochman was an excellent and dedicated teacher. I recall being able to draw the 50 states with capitols due to his classes, also learning about government structures without any politically motivated opinions. One of a kind!

Steven White

July 6, 2021

Rick was an extraordinary person. He was one of the very best and most dedicated teachers I ever had. Rick taught social studies to all of my brothers and myself at West Essex in the 1970s and became a friend to my parents and entire family. He was famous for his daily quizzes in school and would say, "Pens down, papers forward. That ends today's Block Sheet Quiz!". He would seat his classes so that when the papers were passed forward and then all collected together they were all in perfect alphabetical order, ready to be graded quickly and efficiently. Rick had an outsized smile and laugh and an almost photographic memory of street and highway names and could recall them and give you directions 40 years after he had been there. He was an expert travel planner and tour leader, doing so for "Teen Tours" for many years in the United States and in Europe and was also proficient at game shows, having won on TV's "The $10,000 Pyramid" and using the funds to travel to the then Soviet Union. He also hosted a game show on local TV for area high schools. Rick loved to dine out and travel was his passion. He was a very proud and out gay man who loved his partner Bill and his dedicated friend Warren. Rick always used to say, with a big smile, that "If I die tomorrow I've had a wonderful life!". You will always be very fondly remembered dear friend.

Carol Copeland

June 30, 2021

I met Rick at the Arlington Diner a few years ago and we became fast friends. We had a "lunch club" at the Diner every week and shared many stories and times of laughter along with Warren and other friends. I will miss his laughter, stories and presence. I offer my deep condolences to his dear friend, Warren, also my dear friend.

Jeffrey Shapiro

June 29, 2021

Rick Hochman was one of few teachers and professors in my experience from high school, college and graduate school who excelled at what they did. He loved teaching and his students and wanted to make a difference and actually accomplished that. I hope he had some idea of how much his former students appreciated him. I and many others remember to this day so much of what he taught.

-- A student from over 40 years ago.

Neil Carrozza

June 29, 2021

My thoughts and prayers are with Richard and his family. I was a colleague of his at West Essex Middle School in North Caldwell, NJ. Richard was an extremely devoted and effective teacher, and most importantly, a wonderful person. RIP, Richard. You will be missed.

Jo-Ann Wolsky

June 28, 2021

Richard was a lovely man who thoroughly enjoyed teaching. It was my pleasure to work with him for a number of years ... I was the designated person (secretary) who the faculty was to call when they were going to be absent from school ... he never called ... he came to school every day, a remarkable feat that he took pride in and I´m sure his students appreciated. He was a good man, truly one of a kind. Rest easy Richard.
Jo-Ann

Jeff Bradley

June 28, 2021

The best teacher I ever had, including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Never did a teacher care so much, or pull as much out of his students with undying passion and enthusiasm for his profession, as Mr. Hochman. Unforgettable!

Jeff Bradley
A student about 45 years ago!

Matt Forstenhausler

June 28, 2021

I had Mr. Hochman as a history teacher at West Essex Junior High in the early 1970s. He was a great teacher and I´m sure he will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Eileen Dormer

June 28, 2021

Richard was an unforgettable colleague. His enthusiasm for his work was infectious and his students remember to this day the lessons he taught them.

Suzanne

June 28, 2021

My condolences to Rick´s family. He was a great teacher. I have fond memories of his class.

Sean Flynn

June 28, 2021

My condolences to Rick's nephews and Warren. Rick was a good and kind person.

Ben Baldassano

June 27, 2021

My Sincere Condolences on Rick's passing. He was a good Soul with a great Heart . He will be missed.