Dr. Donald L. Hockman
Dr. Donald Lee Hockman, 84, of Chappaqua, N.Y., passed on the morning of Jan. 26, 2017, while in the comfort and care of the Victoria Home, Ossining, N.Y.
He was born Dec. 13, 1932, in Jersey Shore, the eldest son of the late Walter Hockman and Helen Stepp.
Donald is survived by his loving wife, Monica, of Chappaqua, N.Y.; three devoted children who love him dearly; daughter, Pilar Lanne and husband, Justin, of Tucson, Ariz.; daughter, Nia Alexandra “Ally” von Hockman Chase and husband, Christopher, of Cross River, N.Y.; son, Dr. Jason von Hockman, of Birmingham, United Kingdom; his grandchildren, Leah Post, of Tucson, Ariz., Emma, Brendan and Dylan Chase, of Cross River, N.Y.; brother, Frederic “Fritz” Hockman and wife, Graye, of Rose Valley Lake; niece, Vicki Harmon and husband, Stockett, of Berlin, Md.; nephews, Jim Rodgers and wife, Tanya, of Turbotville, Kurt von Hockman and wife, Angela, of Hughesville; and sister-in-law, Bernice Hockman, of Williamsport.
He was predeceased by his brother, Robert “Bob” Hockman; and his nephew, Stephen Hockman.
Donald was a graduate of the former Williamsport High School, Class of 1950 and received his bachelor’s degree from Lycoming College, his master’s degree from the University of Connecticut at Storrs, Conn. and earned his doctorate of psychology from Columbia University, N.Y.
Donald then worked for a number of years within the N.Y.C. Department of Health, the Albert Einstein Hospital, North Central Bronx Hospital and other hospitals within the Health and Hospitals Corporation.
He served on active duty with the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.
Donald was an athlete who enjoyed playing baseball, basketball and football. Although he participated in other sports, baseball was his favorite game, and he was well known for being an excellent team player. He was one of the young baseball players who preceded the formation of the Original Little League in his hometown of Williamsport. Don continued to play in youth leagues, the West Branch Semi-Pro League during college and finally played for the Bluejackets while stationed at the U.S. Naval Station Dispensary, Norfolk, Va.
In later years, he enjoyed coaching the softball and little league teams of his children. Always an avid sports fan, he watched countless games throughout his life and especially enjoyed watching and cheering on his favorite football team, the Penn State Nittany Lions.
Don often visited the family home in Williamsport and enjoyed time spent with his family and friends. In his younger years, he especially loved fishing with his brothers, Bob and Fritz and friends in the picturesque and tranquil setting of the Pine Creek Valley.
The greatest blessings in Donald’s life were his family and dear friends.
A celebration of his life was held Feb. 1 on the quiet shore of Pine Creek at the Ross Run Access, Cammal.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38148 or www.stjude.org.
Submitted by family.