Obituary of Harold L. "Harry" Hoch

CANASTOTA . . . Harold L. "Harry" Hoch, 91, of 3430 Route 31, Canastota, passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, at St. Joseph's Hospital, Syracuse, following a brief illness. He was born on May 5, 1926, in Constableville, the son of Clarence and Bernice (Vrubel) Hoch. Harold spent his early years in Constableville, attending the Constableville and later the Oneida Castle schools. He has lived in the Canastota area most of his life. He and Florence owned and operated Flo's Diner on Rt. 31 in Canastota for over 40 years, which became known as the "Home of the 10¢ Coffee." Harold was a farmer most of his life, which became a hobby in his later years. Harold loved to dance, and following his retirement he went dancing most nights, following his favorite bands. During that time he made many friends, who became his "dance family". He was quick witted, and enjoyed telling or hearing a good joke. He, also, enjoyed being the center of attention, and loved laughing with his family and friends. He married Florence Marie "Flo" (Mason) Hoch on March 30, 1946, in South Bay. Florence passed away on February 14, 2011. Harold had three children, including two daughters, Deborah Hoch Congden, who passed away in 1997, and Susan and Russell Brown of Canastota, and one son, David and Debra Hoch of Canastota; two sisters-in-law, Jean Hoch, and Patty Hoch, both of Canastota; twelve grandchildren, Stanley Congden, III, Diana Congden, Thomas Congden, Kami Palmer Bak, Katie Palmer Chase, Connie Mackey Harding, Jodi Mackey Marsala, Jacob Smith, Cherie Smith Bealer, Tara Hoch Snyder, Zachary Hoch and Kaleena Alberts; twenty-six great grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews. Harold was also predeceased by four brothers, Clarence Hoch, Charles Hoch, Melvin Hoch, and James Hoch. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, January 20, 2018, at J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. Pastor Donna Chapman of the Whitelaw Presbyterian Church will officiate. Burial will be in Whitelaw Cemetery, Canastota. Calling hours will be held on Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. In his memory, contributions may be made to Wanderers' Rest Humane Association, Inc., PO Box 535, Canastota, NY 13032, with envelopes available at the funeral home. J. HOMER BALL FUNERAL HOME, INC. Canastota A Trust 100 Family Owned Funeral Home