Keith Christopher Hock Sr.

He was born on October 29, 1947, in Albany, New York, the son of the late John Raymond Hock and Alice Veronica Cleveland.

Keith proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Army for three years. Following his military service, he earned a five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree, graduating Cum Laude from the University of Idaho in 1977. During his career, he was a Certified Building Contractor and a Certified Building Official. He operated his own architectural practice in the Daytona Beach area and the Florida Keys, where he also served the City of Layton for three years and the City of Marathon as needed as a Building Official.

Keith was an accomplished architect whose thoughtful designs graced custom homes, churches, and communities throughout Central and South Florida. His work was widely respected for its craftsmanship, functionality, and sensitivity to the surroundings. He also served on the Architectural Review Board in Ponce Inlet, where his expertise helped preserve and shape the character and architectural integrity of the local community.

In 1993, the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation recognized Keith for his work restoring the New Smyrna Free Library, also known as the Connor Library. He also contributed to renovations of the New Smyrna Beach City Hall.

Other notable works include many custom homes throughout Florida, the Halifax Hospital Urgent Care Center, Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church of Port Orange, First Christian Church of Daytona Beach, two area Roy Rogers Restaurants, Spruce Creek and River Bridge Condominiums, Countryside Medical Center in Port Orange, the former Ponce Inlet Town Hall.

Keith deeply enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was an avid surfer, boater, fisherman, water and snow skier, explorer, and amateur comedian. A true lover of music, he played the guitar, banjo, and trumpet. He lived with unwavering loyalty, honor, and devotion to his family, always placing those he loved first. A devoted provider and trusted mentor, his guidance, integrity, and quiet strength shaped generations.

He will always be remembered for his politeness, kindness, and willingness to help everyone he met. His love, laughter, and generosity of spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be dearly missed, and his family will forever carry forward the words he lived by: “You only have one life—don’t miss it.”

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Keith C. Hock II, and his sister, Diane Hamilton.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Stella Billias Hock; his daughter, Adrienne L. Fox (Matthew); his sister, Cheryl Hook (Robert); his brothers, Wayne Hock and John Hock (Melinda); and his six grandsons, Keith C. Hock III, Clay Rentschler, Dr. Alexander J. Lucas, Sergeant Robert M. Fox, United States Marine Corps, Patrick Fox, and James Fox, along with many other family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

Fero Funeral Home of Beverly Hills is in charge of arrangements. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.