RIP Grandpa

Samuel Hock

April 15, 1921 – February 5, 2010


Samuel Hock was born to Rebecca (Freedman), a homemaker, and Harry Hock, a milliner. He was raised in the Bronx with his three older brothers Henry, Norman and Sidney. In 1946, he married Miriam, also a Bronx girl. Known to everyone as Sam and Mimi, they were two equal halves of a vibrant couple.

They settled in Paramus, NJ, where they raised three devoted sons, all of whom went on to successful careers in public service. One of their most important joint projects was helping found Temple Beth Or in Washington Township (Bergen County), NJ. They had a wonderful and productive life together for 63 years.

Sam was the originator (or so his sons thought) of many sayings that defined the Hock household philosophy. He’d often tell his kids, “You buy shoes in a shoe store.” and “Pick your battles.” and when one threatened to run away, “Just don’t take my suitcase.”

Sam was a staff sergeant for three years in World War II in the US Army in Europe, D+3, Normandy. As Chief of Radar, helping to identify the location of enemy aircraft, he earned several medals including a Bronze star. He gained his BA at City College of New York and his MSSW at Columbia University through the G.I. Bill.

Sam had a rich and varied social work career, running Jewish communal services in New York City. Among other positions, he was the Assistant Director of Mosholu Montefiore Community Center and Director of Pleasantville Day Camp. Later he became the Director of Group Services for the Jewish Association for Services for the Aged (JASA). He also started JASA’s Meals-on-Wheels program for thousands of senior citizens.

After the death of his wife Mimi in June 2009, Sam moved to an assisted living facility in Massachusetts, where he was able to spend a good deal of time with two of his sons and their families. He quickly became very popular at his new home, not only for his joyful singing, but also as the leader of the residents in a campaign to get comfortable chairs in the movie room. He enjoyed daily walks around the lovely grounds. A series of hospitalizations led to his death from Alzheimer’s.

With his warm smile and firm hug, Sam was beloved in the family and beyond. He and Mimi lived according to their belief in looking at the world through a loving lens. Without fanfare, he assumed an equal role in his marriage, sharing housework and supporting Mimi’s many artistic and social endeavors. Having grown up in a tenement in the Bronx, he especially valued owning and maintaining their house and garden. He also enjoyed playing cards and attending the theater. He is survived by his brother Sidney, children Barry (Sue), Howard (Lesley), and Ira (Barbara), and grandkids, Rebecca, Rachel, David, Jessica, Ari and Dana.

by Ira