Joseph Hockhousen

Norwich — Joseph W. Hockhousen, 85, entered eternal rest at his home Friday, Jan. 3, 2020.

He was born in Warwick, R.I., on Sept. 28, 1934, to the late Joseph and Madeline (Tarbox) Hockhousen. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy, proudly serving his country during the Korean War and receiving an honorable discharge. Oct. 14, 1978, he married his beloved wife, Susan (Ashton), who survives him.

Joe worked as a purchasing agent for Quonset Point Naval Air Station and the Naval Underwater Systems Center, moving on to be a contract specialist supervisor of shipbuilding at Electric Boat, retiring in 1995.

When not at work, Joe was active coaching basketball, baseball and golf at Parish Hill Junior and Senior High school in Chaplin, then as a van driver for the Town of Preston delivering meals to seniors and shut-ins, befriending all of them. He was a member of St. James Episcopal Church in Poquetanuk, a Mason of St. James Lodge #23, and a VFW member. He was an avid New York Yankees fan and enjoyed golfing.

Besides his wife, Susan, he is also survived by his children, Joseph (Karen) Hockhousen Jr., Deborah (John) Ursino, Joan Baker, Karen (Ed) Houston and Sara (Sean) McCormick; stepdaughters, Stacey Chochoms, and Jennifer Chochoms; sister, Gail (Bill) Taylor; 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, John Hockhousen.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, at the Labenski Funeral Home, 107 Boswell Ave., Norwich. A Celebration of Life will be held at St. James Episcopal Church at a later date. Burial is private at the convenience of the family.

Donations in Joe’s memory may be made to St. James Episcopal Church, 95 Route 2A, Preston, CT 06365.

To leave a condolence or share a memory, please visit www. labenskifuneralhome.com.