Father Thomas R. Hoke pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Spring Grove, died suddenly on Dec.14. He was 70 years old.
Father Hoke was born in Hanover on May 16, 1949, to the late Henry J. Hoke and Pauline C. (Schrader) Hoke. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School in Hanover and graduated from Delone Catholic High School in McSherrystown and earned a degree in Theology from Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md. He served as a deacon at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Lancaster.
Father Hoke was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Harrisburg on April 26, 1975, at St. Patrick Cathedral in Harrisburg. His early assignments were as parochial vicar at Corpus Christi Parish in Chambersburg, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Mount Carmel, St. Joseph Parish in Mechanicsburg and Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Lancaster.
Father Hoke also served at Lancaster Catholic High School in Lancaster, before additional assignments as parochial vicar at St. Anne Parish in Lancaster and St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Millersville.
As pastor, Father Hoke served at St. Anne Parish in Lancaster, and St. Rose of Lima Parish in York, before his current assignment at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Spring Grove.
Father Hoke is survived by his brothers Philip J. Hoke and wife Lois of Hanover, Andy L. Hoke and wife Jolene of Hanover. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, parishioners and friends. He was predeceased by his brothers James H. Hoke and Glenn G. Hoke.
A Mass of Transferal was to be concelebrated Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. at Sacred Heart in Spring Grove, with Father Daniel Richards as principal celebrant, and a public viewing prior to the Mass from 5-7 p.m. in the Parish Center.
A Mass of Christian Burial was to be concelebrated on Dec. 20 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Church in Hanover, with Bishop Ronald W. Gainer as principal celebrant. A public viewing was to be held prior to the Mass from 9-11 a.m. at the church, with burial St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Hanover.
Contributions in Father Hoke’s memory may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1031 Sprenkle Rd., Spring Grove PA 17362 or St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5055 Grandview Rd., Hanover PA 17331.
