John Andrew Hochella, Jr. was born on May 6, 1934 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Andrew Hochella, Sr. and Claire Snyder Hochella; his brother Richard Hochella, and his wife, Joanne K. Hochella.
He is survived by their five daughters: Teri Lemmons (Cliff); Tami Donnally (David); Tina Chalkley (Billy); Toni Patterson (Robbie) and Johnna Hochella (Brian); ten grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He served in the Marine Corp during the Korean War. He started his career as a linotype operator, first at the Globe Times in PA, and then at the Palm Beach Post in Florida. He also worked as a gardener for the Martino and Lenon Familys in Palm Beach.
He was an ordained Chaplain and enjoyed teaching Bible Studies over the years. He founded the ministry “Pearl of Great Worth” and was able to give away over 2000 hand-painted shell necklaces. He was an artist and a poet. He painted many murals on the Martino’s seawall in Palm Beach, as well as one in the old Cross County Mall.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024 12:00 p.m. at Dorsey E.Earl Smith Funeral Home, 3041 Kirk Road, Lake Worth, FL 33461.
A committal service will follow, 3:00 p.m. at the South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 State Road 7 Lake Worth, FL 33449
