Charles Augustus Hooke

Charles Augustus Hooke, 87 of Cocoa Beach Florida passed away peacefully on November 9, 2019 under the loving care of Cape Canaveral Hospice.  Charles “Big Charlie” was born in Monterey, California on April 17, 1932 during the height of the great depression. He, along with his sister Hazel and brother, Jack made the journey across the country by his parents shortly after his birth.  The destination was Upper Greenwood Lake New Jersey where the family settled and “Big Charlie” grew up.  He attended Echo Lake and Hill Crest Schools in New Jersey.  He loved the lake and enjoyed swimming, fishing, diving and the natural beauty of Upper Greenwood Lake.

In 1951 he joined the Navy and after four years he was honorably discharged in June 15, 1955.   He met Josephine DiMaggio while in the navy and the two were married on July 24, 1954.  The couple moved from Queens, New York to Hollywood, Florida in 1968 where they raised their two children Margie and Little Charlie.

Big Charlie had a curious mind and loved to create.  He had an artistic passion with a mechanical drive.  Some of his many interests included, Stained Glass, quilting, sewing and raising exotic animals including finches, doves and eels. Big Charlie was an avid wood worker, and created many artistic works with his hands and tools. His passions also included creating music and loved playing the accordion and the ukulele.

He was rich in spirit and touched many lives. You will often hear, “he was my favorite” or “he was such a sweet man” when folks would speak of big Charlie. He was a loving and caring husband and father. He will be missed by many.

He had a generous spirit and volunteered driving cancer patients to and from their appointments and helping his friends at the quilting guild when they needed home or sewing machine repairs.

Big Charlie is survived by his two children Marguerite Mary Hooke and Charles Michael Hooke along with wife Maria Hooke. He had three grandchildren whom he adored, Nicole, Danielle and Christianna. He was predeceased by his loving wife Josephine, sister Hazel and brother Jack.

Friends may visit with the family, Thursday, November 21, 2019 @ 4:30 pm-8:00 pm at Fred Hunter Funeral Home, 2401 South University Drive Davie, Florida 33324.

The funeral mass will be held Friday, November 22, 2019 @ 11:00 am at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church 1301 SW 136th Avenue Davie, Florida 33324.    

The entombment will be held Friday, November 22, 2019 @ 12:30 pm at Hollywood Memorial Gardens East, 6301 Taft Street Hollywood Florida, 32024.

The family will gather after the services at Saint Bonaventure Parish Hall to celebrate the life of Big Charlie, all are welcome.

In Lieu of flowers, those planning on making a donation in Big Charlie’s memory are asked to consider the American Cancer Society @ www.cancer.org.