The Roman Catholic High Community lost a WONDERFUL friend and
supporter when the Lord called John home. When we transferred our
son Meat to Roman and he was not allowed to play varsity football in
his Junior year, John was there to offer our family support and
encouragement. We didn't know John but he became a great friend.
He was always there for our boys and for all the boys at Roman. Our
sons', Meat and Chop, always looked to John for his advice and
guidance. We were all glad that we were able to share in the joy
John had expressed when Roman's Football Team won the Catholic
League Championship in 1999. John always cheered the hardest and
the loudest no matter the sport. It was an honor to sit with him at
the Henry James and share a drink or at a football game talking
strategy. We know that John is sitting at the right hand of God
with his Purple and Gold shaker whispering in God's ear to watch
over and bless the Roman Community. We wish to send to John's wife,
his beautiful daughters and their families our deepest sympathy. We
are truly sad that we were out of town and did not learn of John's
passing until we were in the Henry James the night of his burial.
Attending the football games this year will not be the same without
the smiling face of John Hoban greeting everyone as they enter the
stadium. We will miss you dearly.
It is with great sadness that I write this.
Unlike most of the other people on this page, I didn't really get to know
Mr, John Hoban very well personally, except for seeing him at
mostly every Cahillite sporting event I attended over the
years. But what he stood for, the type of person and man he was
will never be lost on me. As a fellow alumnus, SHOF member and
current faculty member and coach, Mr. Hoban will forever be THE
example and inspiration as to what being a Cahillite is all
about. His passion, loyalty, respect for the Purple and Gold
and unabashed pride is what all of us who are left behind need
to remember.
Like I said, I didn't know him very well, but he always was a man I felt
I needed to impress whenever I wore the colors of our school.
To be the type of ambassador he was to the school is what we can
all do to honor his memory.
My sympathy and support goes to the entire Hoban family, especially to
Danny and Tim. Hang in there guys. His legacy will live on
forever at Broad and Vine.
Sincerely,
-- Joe Tremoglie
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Ted, your article captured Mr. Hob to the T. Roman Catholic, The
Catholic League, and Roxborough lost a friend. I have known Mr. Hob for over 30
years and he was everything that you would want in a friend. He was honest,
loyal, and he knew how to make you laugh. And even though I was a Prepper he
never held it against me. I can't tell you how many good times I had with Mr.
Hob at The Henry James Saloon after a La Salle U, Prep, or Roman basketball
game. A tradtion that started a couple of years ago, is that after Roman and
Prep basketball games, no matter who won, every body went back to The Henry
James for some laughs and Mr. Hob was usually head comic. I am glad Mr. Hoban
got to see his beloved Cahillites win another Catholic League and Alhambra
Championship.
To his family you are in my thoughts and prayers but remember he will never die
as long as we carry him in our hearts.
-- John Coppinger
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In passing through google search I
thought that I would check out John Hoban. I met John in 1975 playing Bingo
at Roman's Bingo Game where I was a fixture for many years playing. I sat
in John's section and we became great friends. I later stayed over for a
weekend and John extended an invitation for me to stay with him and his wife
Mary and kids. After that it is history. I then down the road moved in
with John's parents, Helen and John, Sr. They were very kind to me as well
as John. They all treated me like family. I sorely miss his dad and mom.
To find out the passing of John, Jr. has left a deep hole in my heart. When
no one else was showing me any kind of kindness John went out of his way.
John was funny in many ways. He never wanted anyone to think that he was a
sissy, so he would not show his emotions, but as everyone matures, John
truly would show his feelings. I am very saddened by the passing of John.
I know his seated up in heaven, he was a GREAT MAN. My deepest sympathies
go to Mary, Mary Ellen, Katie, Eileen and Terry and all the Hoban Family.
God has blessed you all and will always bless you!!!!!!!!!!
-- Pete Beamsderfer
Freehold, NJ
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John, I miss our great conversations.
Say hello to number 72.
-- Paul Bryson
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