| For the Daily Commercial
THE VILLAGES – Drafted into the Army and sent to Vietnam at 18, he’d been a high jumper in high school; a post-war top softball catcher and bowler in Albany, New York leagues; and a 30-year police officer and trooper who also had entertainment security gigs protecting generations of A-listers including the Temptations and Paula Adbul.
Such is life, so far, for former Spec. 4 Richard D. “Rich” Hoke Sr., 73, who today delights in being grandfather to 18 and great-grandfather to 13.
“Vietnam was scary, frankly,” he said. “I was in-country just long enough to check in at Long Binh in 1966 when the Viet Cong blew up our ammo dump on my first night aboard. It was a year of constant vigilance, C-rations, filling our canteens from a water bull and getting close to a handful of good buddies, some of whom did not make it home.”
But he put his head down and did his duty – a family trait that began with his father’s service in World War II and has included a bevy of family members who have served in law enforcement. His oldest brother, Thomas, was one of the first African Americans to became a New York State highway trooper; and brother Donald Jr. – a Marine – followed him into the “protect and serve” calling.
“My oldest grandson, Rashawn, is a patrolman in Albany,” Hoke said, noting with further pride that “his Army Reserve unit was recently activated.”
“Nephew Timothy is on the police department with him,” said Rich. “Our family tree is a little like the TV show “Bluebloods,” with armed forces experience thrown in.”
A Navy Gulf War veteran, Leesburg native Desmond Harris, married Rich’s daughter, Nicole, “but we don’t hold it against him that he’s a sailor,” jokes Hoch. “Seriously, he’s the best thing that could’ve happened to my daughter and he knows the Bible inside and out.”
Both men point to the ministry of Leesburg’s Citadel of Hope and Apostle Dannie Williams as “essential parts” of their lives.
Hoke also points with fatherly pride to son Shawn, who works for FedEx in Ocala; and to Richard Jr., a hospital phlebotomist in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Typically, Rich’s active approach to service and community included 20 years on the board of Albany’s Blue Knight Motorcyle Club. He was also a longtime volunteer fireman and, in 1999, received the local Volunteer Fireman of the Year award for plucking three people from the Hudson River when their boat capsized.
Hoke has slowed down just a tad, owing to five back surgeries and a heart attack, but can be seen tooling around The Villages’ Fenney enclave in his customized golf cart with miniature Doberman pincer, Cheeto.
He does terribly miss Karen, his bride of “49 years, eight months and eight days,” who succumbed to cancer not long after the Hokes moved to The Villages from Panasoffkee in late 2017.
She was known as “Bonnie” to her husband, family and friends.
“We met and fell in love in high school,” Rich said, his voice revealing still a tinge of sadness as he “soldiers on” with a naturally thankful and engaging demeanor.
“She was the greatest,” he said, looking up and beaming.
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