Charles Curtis Hoag Jr.

Charles Curtis Hoag Jr. was born on a Monday in Poughkeepsie, New York on July 28, 1930 to Charles Curtis and Helen Bertha Hoag. He graduated from Poughkeepsie High School in 1948 where he was the President of the Chess Club and in the Honors Band. Later, while attending Purdue University for Engineering, he decided to serve his country, serving from 1950 to 1970 retiring as a Major in the United States Air Force where he received his Master Navigator Wings. While in the Air Force, he flew in different planes including the B-52 and B-29. He loved sharing his love of flying and stories to anyone who would listen. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion. He married Marina Maggiore in 1957 and they were happily married for over 60 years.

After retiring from the service he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Physics and his Masters Degree in Mathematics and found his love for teaching. He taught classes including math, science, physics, and many other sciences at Merced College, California State University Stanislaus, and California State University Fresno. He was a professor for over 20 years. He was a scoutmaster merging his love of teaching and the outdoors. Many have crossed the famous “Monkey Bridge” his troop would erect during Boy Scout events. He did this for over 15 years and was inducted and served as a member of the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s national camping honor society. For this achievement one must exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives and being of service to others. He loved backpacking, camping, and anything to do with the outdoors. He loved golfing and could be found most mornings on the course and enjoying a drink in the clubhouse. He was proud of his team’s achievement in qualifying for and playing in the National Oldsmobile Scramble in Florida in 1995.

As a scientist, he loved order in his life as much as his wife loved to challenge this order. He loved to learn how things worked and was able to fix anything brought to him. He loved his dogs, Mitzi and Jade, and his bird, Ati, who would greet all who came to the house (she thought she was a dog too). He loved driving his 50th Anniversary corvette so much that he bought his wife a corvette too. He enjoyed watching Columbo, real and model airplanes, and music. Many times we heard Arthur Rubinstein’s Rachmaninoff, The Chad Mitchell Trio, and the Kingston Trio, among many others. Our father loved watching football and Pirates of the Caribbean, even having his ringtone belt out “Yo Ho, Yo Ho, a Pirates Life for me.” He loved his morning coffee, a good glazed donut, and his sudoku puzzles.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Robert and Richard, and his wife Marina. He is survived by his children Sandra (Ray) Mays, Linda (James) Morrison, Charles (Deborah) Hoag, Michael (Lynda) Hoag, and Marina (Paul) Lyon. He loved his 16 grandchildren (10 spouses) and 23 great grandchildren. His face would light up when they came to visit. His love of life is now his legacy and he will be greatly missed. Forever engraved in our hearts his “Love ya Darlin’” echoing in the ears of his daughters and his words of wisdom for his mischievous sons. We love you Dad and we’ll see you on the 19th hole.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 5, 2023 from 3:00p.m. - 7:00p.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home located at 1490 B Street Merced, California 95341. Rosary with Chapel Blessing starting at 10:00a.m. on Monday, February 6, 2023 at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home. A reception will follow the service. Burial will be on February 7, 2023 at 11:00a.m. San Joaquín Valley National Cemetery 32053 McCabe Rd, Santa Nella, CA 95322.

Please leave online condolences at www.stratfordevansfunerals.com In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Charles Hoag Jr c/ o Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home.