John you were a great friend and I
will truly miss you- I love you.
-- Dave Falcione
---
John Hoban was one of my best friends. . I always
looked forward to going to the bar to hang out and
talk Roman sports. Waiting to hear his prediction
for the big game, or hear some pearls of wisdom.
Having a few drinks and talking for hours about
everything and anything.....riding to games together
and telling each other what we thought we had to do
to win. He was right almost every time.... But he
was also more than that. He was family. I cannot
really express how much I'm going to miss you,
John....I'm sorry that I didn't tell you how
important you were to me. How grateful I am that
you and your entire family welcomed me as Uncle
Smitty. To Mary, Mary Ellen and Nicky, Eileen and
Kevin, Katie and Floody and Terri and Scott and all
the 10 grand kids, I love you all and am praying for
you all. Finally, John you were one of the best
things to happen to Roman Catholic and truly, one of
the best things that ever happened to me.
I love you and miss you.
-- Smitty
---
John Hoban will be greatly missed by the Roman Catholic family and the
Catholic League. There was not a more passionate
Roman supporter anywhere.
More importantly, John cared about Roman and the
students of the school. I
always enjoyed my conversations with John (often
they took the form of
debates). He did not have an opinion he was
unwilling to share. That was
John and I enjoyed that about him. You always knew
where he stood. Roman
Catholic has lost some of its most loyal sons in the
last few years: Ed
Graham, Charles Logan, Jim McSherry and now John.
They have set an example
of loyalty and giving back. The greatest tribute to
John and these men, is
for others to step up and become the next
generation willing to give back
and make sure the mission continues. My heart and
prayers go out to the
Hoban family.
-- Brother John Kane
La Salle University
---
John, I will miss your
in-game and post-game analysis at the football and
basketball games.
Boom jig a boom, boom jig a boom, boom jig a ric jig
boom boom, sis boom bah, he hah hah,
Catholic High rah rah rah ! John that cheer was for
you ! Rest in peace !
-- Dick Trotter '69
---
It has been a few days
since Mr. Hobe passed and still I can't believe he
is gone.
Words cannot express how I truly feel about one of
the greatest human beings I
have ever met in my entire life.
As a young man, I can remember the times my father would take us to Mr.
Hobe's
parents house on Ridge Avenue. You only needed to
spend a few minutes with
them to realize why John Hoban Jr. turned out to be
the special Role Model, Coach,
Father, and most importantly Friend that he was to
everyone he came in contact
with. He had a special way about him and you always
knew that when he was
talking with you no matter what the topic his answer
always came from his heart
and it was real. I'm a lot older now and nothing has
changed. Through my high
school and college years and now as an adult my
relationship with Mr. Hobe has
only grown stronger. I once heard him tell someone
that me and my brothers were
like the sons he never had. Just thinking about
that compliment brings tears to my
eyes and I will never forget that for the rest of my
life.
What I honestly enjoyed the most was watching him
and my father together just talking
about old times. Former players from Roman, current
players, and simply sports in
general. They had a special bond that will never be
broken and I am just glad that I was
able to listen to John Hoban & Speedy Morris share
the many memories they had together
over the years and I will never forget them.
As both of my brothers eluded to earlier "Hobe" was
always the first person to call or to show
up at my home when there were tough times. It gave
me great joy to see him embrace not only
my parents but me and my brothers and sister the way
he did. Hobe's family is the same way
and that is why we share the special bond between
our family that we have today. Mrs. Hoban,
Maryellen & Nicky, Eileen & Kevin, Katie & Mike, and
Terry & Scott my heart goes out to all of you
and I hope you know that the Morris family will
always be here for you.
In closing, Mr. Hobe, thanks for your friendship,
thanks for the memories, but most of all thanks for
being you. I am a better person today for having
had you in my life. I love you, Pal.
-- Brian R. Morris
---
I can’t imagine going
to the first Roman football game in the fall and not
seeing John Hoban!! He is irreplaceable.
-- Mike Rodden ‘77
---
I am having a difficult
time writing this. "Johnny Hobe", "Johnny H",
"Hobe" "H". All of these nicknames describe one
man. But to me, he was more than that. He was
Uncle John-my godfather. My golf buddy. One of
the men, along with my father and my late
grandfather, who taught me the Roman Catholic
tradition. John Hoban Jr. was SO many things to
so many people. He was a loving husband to my
aunt Mary for over 40 years. He was a great
father to Eileen, Mary Ellen, Katie, and Terry.
His 10 grandchildren were his joy.
While his family was a major priority in
his life, his "other" family was Roman Catholic
High School. I have never met someone who felt
so strong about the Purple and Gold and the
mission of Thomas E. Cahill. Even in my toddler
days, I remember my Dad taking me to Broad and
Vine to watch Speedy's Cahillites during the
1970's when Uncle John was an assistant. I
guess this is where my love of Roman Basketball
was born. When I became a student at Roman and
became involved with the program, I often asked
Uncle John if I could bum a ride to the road
games. Never did he say no. Never was there a
football game where Uncle John wasn't on the
sidelines. He was a fixture with his binoculars
on his neck. He was always there to offer
encouragement and support win or lose to both
the players and the coaches. I can honestly say
that seeing Coach Seddon's squad lift the 2007
Catholic League Championship plaque was one of
his happiest moments. I also was on the
sidelines in 1999 when Roman captured the first
Red Division championship and the first person I
sought out was Uncle John. Tears were flowing
freely from his eyes. You could just feel the
joy in his heart and the emotion on his face.
Uncle John's third love was the game of
golf. He first swung a golf club in my backyard
at my First Communion party. He was hooked
instantly. One time, when I was around 8 years
old, he asked me, "Dan, how do you play out of
the sandtraps?" Not thinking, I responded,
"Well, I don't know Uncle John-I don't go in
them very often!" He NEVER let me live that down
for years and years. His foursome often
included Dave Falcione-one of his best friends,
Dr. George Mecherly-the finest English teacher
ever, and Pat McIntosh-his nephew. Before I got
into the golf business, I would fill in. In my
younger days, he would never take any greens fee
money from me. Now I regret that I didn't get to
play with "H" more often. The last time we
played golf together was Wednesday, June 20th.
It was the last time that I saw him. When we
were on the 1st Tee, Uncle John quipped,
"Alright, no excuses-time to play." He was
referring to the fact that I was returning from
hand surgery and it was the first time in a
month where I could play. I was so proud of him
that day. He played very well and I was excited
for him. "Hobe" always had a way of putting you
in your place or setting you straight. Most of
the time, it was deserved.
Now, I sit here in my office filled
with memories and tears. Uncle John's truck was
the first one I would look for when I went in to
the Henry James with my wife Nonee. He was the
first person I would look for before any Roman
football or basketball game. When I was
fortunate enough to announce this year's PCL
Finals at the Palestra, Uncle John was the first
person that I sought for advice. When I was
fortunate enough to be inducted into the RCHS
Sports Hall of Fame, he was in the front doing
nothing but smiling. I will remember that smile
for the rest of my living days. Uncle John, I
can't even begin to express how much that I love
you and will miss you forever. I will continue
supporting Roman in any way I can. Rest assured
that I will do anything in my power to help Aunt
Mary, Eileen, Mary Ellen, Katie, and Terry get
through this. Your legacy lives on through your
10 wonderful grandchildren. It is an honor to
call you Uncle John, my godfather, my golf
partner, my fellow SHOF member, and most of all-
a true friend in every sense of the word. May
God Bless You and give you peace.
Rest in Peace #47 "15 tackles a game"
-- Dan Hoban Jr. '92
nephew of John Hoban Jr.
---
Life,
as I know it, is forever changed for me as well
as numerous family members and countless
friends. We lost a great man, too soon. John
Hoban (H) was one of a kind; devoted, caring,
loyal, loving husband, family man, friend, a
man's man, Roman fanatic, Roman Hall of Famer,
handsome, athlete (#47) & a much better golfer
than Dave Falcione & myself. He will sorely be
missed but never forgotten. Death is such a part
of life and it hurts. I take some solace in
knowing he had a great life, as he would always
tell me the reason for that was his loving wife
Mary, his four loving daughters & their
husbands, Mary Ellen & Nicky, Katie & Flood,
Eileen & Kevin, Terri & Scott, all his beautiful
grandkids & the rest of his loving family
& friends. H would often say anyone who doesn't
like this life is CRAZY. I feel extremely
thankful and lucky for the time I got to spend
with him; I wish it didn't have to end. He was
much more than an Uncle to me, he was my buddy,
someone I admired, respected & loved. He will
remain in my heart & prayers forever. I am proud
& grateful to be part of the Hoban family. As I
sit here writing, I can see him reading all the
nice tributes, looking down, pointing at himself
and saying that’s me, H. Uncle John (H), I will
always remember the great times I shared with
you, I love you and I will miss you immensely.
-- Patrick McIntosh
PS: As Big Joe Flaherty & Frank Sinatra would
say about him, " 'H' did it his way!"
---
I first met Coach
Hoban in 1970 when he was an assistant coach
to one of my Idols Coach Speedy Morris. Mr.
Hoban was inspecting the new troops in the
incoming Freshman class for Football and I
was one of them. I was secretly hoping he
was looking for a possible player from our
fold to maybe be a part of the Greatest
Basketball Program in the city--in my
opinion--that is when I found out who he was
as an athlete at the Catholic High.
Through the years he
would come to our practices and meet in the
stands with his father in front of the old
announcers booth at Cahill Field. We were a
part of a new beginning under Coach Little
and John and his father were there almost on
a daily basis.
I had gone on and
graduated joined the Navy and returned as an
assistant coach under Bob Wagner and that is
where I got to know John Hoban better. We
added new life to the school by finally
righting a listing ship. We had plenty to
cheer about in those days and the atmosphere
at Speedy's Drop in the Bucket was truly
electric and an unforgettable part of my
life. He told me after some of those years
that he thought I was a really good coach
and that I prepared my kids well. That was,
to me, a confirmation of where I stood with
John. As an accepted peer. We were able to
discuss football on each of our terms and
not just his. I will forever be grateful to
John for allowing the opportunity for
healthy discussion and debate on the sport I
was so passionate about. GOD BLESS YOU JOHN
HOBAN and YOUR BEAUTIFUL FAMILY REST IN
PEACE>
-- Michael J Gibbons '74 RCHS
---
On behalf of
the West Catholic Boys Basketball Family, We
send our prayers and deepest condolences to
the Hoban Family on the passing of their
loved one, John. There has never been a man
who has worn the purple and gold with more
pride and passion than John Hoban !!!!! What
makes the Philadelphia Catholic League so
special is the people. The people and the
relationships are the foundation our league
was built upon. John was a cornerstone in
that foundation. He was a mentor, a coach
and a Father figure to four decades of Roman
Catholic student athletes. John was the
Catholic Leagues number # 1 ambassador. As
men of the Catholic faith we believe John
has come Home, and is at peace with the
Lord, selfishly we all feel it was far to
soon. There will be an emptiness this year
when we play Roman without John's presence,
but I know he'll be there in spirit. Those
of us around the league who knew John Hoban
were fortunate; those of us he called
friends were blessed.
-- Billy Ludlow W.C.B.B.
---
My condolences go out the entire Hoban
family, their friends, and the RCHS
community.
Before going into the Palestra, I walked over Mr. Hoban’s car and started
talking to him and Smitty about the
importance of the CL Basketball
Title and winning this year. Little
that I know, it would be Mr. Hoban’s
last title game.
We got along very well. We both loved Roman Basketball and we both hated
the prep!
I never got the chance to thank him for his undying loyalty to Roman, for
his support of the basketball program
and for his ear when I needed to vent.
He was a great role model and will be
sorely missed!
-- Cous
---
Reading through the postings in this
tribute and on the philly.com website as
well as conversations with many people
is a true testimonial to the person
“Hobs” was and will continue to be in
another place. Everybody has pretty
much covered all the bases on “Hobs” …
he was a great guy. I met Mr. Hobs when
I was a freshmen basketball player for
Roman Catholic back in 1989 and got to
know him and his family better as the
years went on. “Hobs” was always around
… games … practices … whatever function
he was usually there if it involved
Roman Catholic. As the years went on we
developed a friendship that was nurtured
through our love for Roman Catholic High
School. It was always nice to share
that bond with Hobs and many others. As
it has been stated many times … nobody
revered R.C.H.S. more than Hobs. I
couldn’t help but laugh when reading
Ted’s article the other day when Speedy
was taking about “Hobs” hatred of Prep.
I can remember being at a Prep
basketball game versus O’Hara about 3
years ago and Hobs walked in and was
walking by me and I said … “Yo Hobs” …
he was like “hey Paul … what are you
rooting for these guys now”. I almost
felt like a traitor. I just started
laughing. The funny thing about the
story is that we were both there for the
same reason … to support our good friend
Speedy. “Hobs” was a loyal guy and no
matter how much it pissed him off that
Speedy was coaching at Prep he would
always support his friend. I can recall
several times after that being at Prep
games and looking around and seeing Hobs
somewhere in the gym. I think it’s
going to be habit for me to take a peek
every time I’m at a Catholic League game
and see if Hobs is there … especially
Roman games. “Hobs” legacy is strong
and will live on through his family and
friends for many years to come. The
last time I saw “Hobs” was when we
celebrated Roman’s victory over Neumann
at the Henry James Saloon. Had I known
this would be my last encounter with him
I would have stayed a few more hours,
talked some more B-Ball, of course had a
few beers and told him how much I
appreciated getting to know him over the
years.
“Hobs” … you will never be forgotten.
Next beer is on me buddy … CHEERS.
-- Paul McManus . . . R.C.H.S '93
---
We lost one of the great ones with the passing of John Hoban this past
week. I had the privilege of knowing Mr.
Hoban through attending Roman Catholic
sporting events before, during, and
after my tenure as a student, and
through working at the Henry James
Saloon. Mr. Hobe was a giant, a great
man. My fondest memory of Mr. Hoban came
at the Henry James after his youngest
daughter's wedding a few months ago. The
family had come back after the reception
and I had stayed later than usual. When
I was about to leave, I approached Mr.
Hoban and said "Congratulation, Mr.
Hobe!" and reached out to shake his
hand. He looked at me with his glazed
eyes and pulled me in and hugged me and
said, "I love you, kid, I love you" and
kissed me on the neck. I laughed and
replied, "I love you, too, Mr. Hobe." I
will always remember that night and
those words when I think of Mr. Hoban.
He loved his family and friends more
than anything, and was able to leave an
indelible mark on the kid who went to
Roman and worked at the bar.
-- Mike Rodden, '05
---
My memories
of John Hoban are exactly the sum of all
the tributes that have been
posted in the last couple days. It was
very difficult to read them because I
couldn't keep my eyes dry. He was the
best of the best, and that is a complete
understatement. I cant imagine us
playing without John being there. To
Mary, and daughters, hang in there the
best you can, and
realize that although he left you a
little earlier than expected, no girls
anywhere, ever, had a better man in
their life, and that is a great thing.
God
bless the Hoban family.
-- Pat McKee
---
I was on a
family holiday in Ireland when I heard
the sad news of John Hoban's passing. I
can only say that I felt the shock and
pain
3000 miles away and send my heartfelt
sympathy and prayers to the wonderful
Hoban family. They have touched my
family and I
Many times over the years. Tomorrow at
Brittingham's Irish Pub I will certainly
raise a glass and toast the man who
loved Roman
Catholic so well. As a North Catholic
Grad and supporter John was always there
with a joke or a jab against my Falcons
but he also
Showed me how a man should support the
things he loves whether it be family, a
friend or an alma mater. For that, I am
eternally
grateful and we will sing his song;
"When New York was Irish", with all the
passion John showed during his brilliant
life.
God Bless his Memory
Paul Moore & Family
---
My
memories of John Hoban start nearly
fifty years ago when I was nine years
old and John was a senior at Roman and I
was a big Roman fan. Although best
known as an All-Catholic football
player, my memories of John are as a
scrappy starter on the 58-59 Roman
basketball team. My uncle, Fran
McMenamin, was John’s coach and I was
very fortunate that he took me to quite
a few games. I also remember my uncle
telling me what an outstanding football
player John was. I remember the
character of that 58-59 basketball team
typified by John and of seeing them play
in a special playoff with Dougherty at
Lincoln High for the final playoff spot
which Roman lost after star Bobby Kahana
was injured and could not finish the
game. I’m not sure if John played a
spring sport so that night I remember
may have been his last time in a
Catholic High uniform. I always
remembered John for his hustling play.
In later years, as I became a PCL
football coach, athletic director,
football chairman, and president of the
PCL Board of Directors, I saw John quite
frequently at league games and
playoffs. We always talked about the
particular game that night, his days at
Roman and my uncle. I always looked
forward to seeing him always knowing
that he would be there no matter who was
playing but especially happy if Roman
was playing. One night I will never
forget was in the Fall of ’99 when Roman
Catholic won the first PCL Red Division
football championship. They beat
LaSalle that night but the previous week
had beaten the Prep in the semi-final.
As the celebration started to calm down,
I found myself standing on the field at
Northeast with John. I remember that he
looked at me and said, “This is so great
and special, Roman winning the PCL title
and beating the Prep twice in one
year!” John Hoban never changed – my
memories of him are the same whether I
was 9 or now at 58. To me, John Hoban
typified the spirit and values of the
Catholic League and Roman Catholic High
School. I pray that he rests in peace
with God eternally.
-- Chuck Knowles
---
I first met
Mr. Hoban when I would go down to the
Henry James with my Dad to help clean up
on Saturday mornings after a busy Friday
night. Mr. Hoban would always come in
with his 7-Eleven coffee to re-hash the
previous night with my Dad and to talk
about the latest happenings in Catholic
League Sports. When I decided to attend
Roman, I remember how happy Mr. Hoban
was to see that his friend's son would
be attending Catholic High. When I was
playing football or helping out the
basketball team, he would always hit me
up for "inside info" whenever he saw
me. He was a die-hard fan of Philly
high school sports, and genuinely cared
about all of the athletes. More than
the actual game itself, I think he
enjoyed watching the young athletes
excel, overcome adversity, and mature
into fine young men, while carrying on
the Catholic League tradition. Mr.
Hoban's tremendous love for Roman was
evident this past football season when
Roman defeated LaSalle 27-21 in double
overtime. He was on the sideline at the
end of the game jumping up and down with
both arms in the air, triumphant in
victory. He was smiling from ear to
ear, and had a tear in his eye. It was
like he was a kid again. Mr. Hoban
embodied what the Catholic League and
what high school sports should all be
about.
I had the pleasure of going down to Cumberland MD with Roman's basketball
team and some of the alumni this past
year. Mr. Hoban, Smitty and Mr.
Flaherty convinced myself and Chuck
Thompson (aka Puff) to come down and
experience the tournament as alums (of
legal drinking age). I came to realize,
over the long weekend, that Mr. Hoban
had made many lifelong friends in the
Cumberland area, and when tournament
time came around they all bent over
backwards to make sure that their friend
"H", his wife Mary, and his buddies from
Catholic High had a great time. I was
bartending the Wednesday before he
passed when Mr. Hoban came in with his
nephew Pat, after Philly U's Golf
Outing. I told Mr. Hoban what a good
time I had with him down in Cumberland,
and how excited I was at the possibility
of going down again this coming season
to watch the Cahillites defend their
title. They closed down the bar, and as
usual, they argued over the bar tab.
Mr. Hoban got Pat for the last round of
drinks, which Pat can't stand, so Pat
insisted on another round. I didn't
mind hanging out with them a little
longer because I enjoyed their company.
As they were leaving, I told them both
that we all needed have a few drinks
when I'm not working, and that I was
looking forward to my parents' 4th of
July party, so we could all have fun and
throw a few back. Unfortunately, I was
never able to have another opportunity
to hang out with Mr. Hoban after that,
as he went into the hospital the
following Monday.
Although he was 40 years my senior, Mr. Hoban treated me as his friend,
and I am proud to say that he was my
friend. Over the years he incorporated
my family into his own, and we will
always be there for his wife Mary, his
four daughters (Mary Ellen, Eileen,
Katie, and Terry), their husbands
(Nicky, Kevin, Flood, and Scott), and
their children. We'll miss him, and try
our best to carry on without him.
Mr. Hoban went out on top. He lived each day like it was his last, and
touched so many lives along the way.
Thanks for everything Mr. Hobe, I'll miss you.
-- Dan Falcione, '01
---
I am not so lucky to have known Mr. Hoban for as long as most of the
people who have posted tributes
here. That said, a man like
John Hoban didn't need a
lifetime to make his
impression. I first met Mr.
Hoban when my (now) husband was
on the Roman Football
staff during the 1999 season,
which is to say that we spent a
lot of weekends celebrating at
the Henry James as his alma
mater won their 1st Championship
in over 50 years. Although Mike
didn't coach at Roman after that
year, the Cahillites were always
on his mind and in his heart,
which led us to the day that Mr.
Hoban showed me what an
exceptional man he was.
We were on our way to watch my cousin play a football game at Princeton
University, and Mike asked if we
could just "drive by" Roxborough
High to check the score of the
Roman-Valley Forge football
game. We pulled up outside the
field, and Mike went to the
fence to check out the
scoreboard. Mr. Hoban was there
and the two of them got to
talking. Twenty minutes later,
I decided to get out of the car
and remind Mike that we had to
get on the road or we would miss
the game. As I said hello to
Mr. Hoban I heard a horrible
crash. I turned around and saw
our car was on the sidewalk,
having been crashed into by a
drunk driver. Needless to say,
we thought our night had been
ruined (and could only hope that
our car wasn't) Mr. Hoban (and
many other members of the Roman
family) helped us sort through
the mess of filing a police
report and getting our car
towed. When all was said and
done, and it came time to figure
out how the heck we were going
to get home, Mr. Hoban stepped
right up and said "Hey, you kids
want to drop me off at home and
take my car up to the game?" We
couldn't accept his unbelievably
generous offer, but Mr. Hoban
wouldn't hear of us not getting
to that game...if he didn't have
other plans, I'm sure he would
have taken us there himself! In
the end, he wound up driving us
to my mother's house in the Far
Northeast, letting me buy him a
cup of coffee, being genuinely
insulted when I asked him if I
could put gas in his car and
sending along good luck wishes
to my cousin in his game.
Reading all of the tributes above, I know that there are tons of people
that would have been happy to
have had the pleasure of John
Hoban's company that night. I
know there has to have been
somewhere he would have rather
been, but he never thought twice
about going out of his way to
help us. I know that I learned
something that night about how
giving a little of yourself can
make a big difference for
someone else. If even 1/10 of
the people who Mr. Hoban touched
took that same lesson away, then
the world would be a better
place.
-- Megan Gallagher
---
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends of Mr.
Hoban. Unlike many of the people who left their contributions here I did not
know Mr. Hoban nearly as long and surely not as well. However, I was influenced
greatly over the years I did know him. Although we are from the same
neighborhood I did not meet Mr. Hoban until 1998, my freshman year at Roman
Catholic. During my years there I learned to admire his loyalty and dedication
to his high school. I see that many people have written memories of the 1999
football season and what a memorable time it was for Mr. Hoban and the Roman
Catholic community. During that time many Roman Catholic alums were proud to
show off their purple and gold colors. However the years following were not as
successful and much of the support shown in 1999 diminished. I even think my mom
turned her back on the team my senior year, but not Mr. Hoban. Mr. Hoban always
encouraged us to give it our best effort. We knew we had to play hard for him
because he was not going to quit on us. When I graduated in 2002 I was happy I
had the opportunity to befriend Mr. Hoban but I assumed with the generation gap
and me moving on to college that the relationship we had would fade. That was
not the case. When my mom would go to the Henry James, she would come home and
tell me that Mr. Hoban was asking about me. I used to ask her how she knew him
because I knew that she did not know him previous to me attending Roman Catholic
High. Every now and then I would come back to the neighborhood from college and
eat breakfast at the Domino Diner. It seemed like Mr. Hoban was always there. He
would always ask me how I was doing and would wish me luck on my future
endeavors. The final time I saw Mr. Hoban was at my college graduation party. I
could see he was happy that I graduated. Like always he encouraged me to achieve
all my goals. After talking to him, I really got the feeling like he was family.
When my mom called me at work and told me that Mr. Hoban has passed it dawned on
me. Mr. Hoban and I were family; we are brothers in the Roman Catholic High
family. I believe the relationships he built throughout his life is his greatest
legacy. He was able to transcend age and build relationships with so many of us
kids. Although Mr. Hoban was in his late 50’s and early 60’s when I knew him and
I in my teens and early 20’s I truly considered him one of my buddies. I will
miss him dearly.
-- Ryan Brody ‘02
---
I had the great pleasure of getting to know John Hoban during our time at
the Alhambra Tournament couple of years ago. I have always called
myself a huge Catholic League fan and loved hearing John talk about
players and games from the past. However, I was blown away one night
when John began singing the alma mater of EVERY Catholic League School.
Naturally, he started with Roman's and then Hallahan's. I figured he
picked up Neumann's because of the rivalry that had developed. But when
he asked me where did I go to school and I said "Judge", John started
belting out "Red and Blue On High". I was stunned. John then went
through the rest of the league and with each song I was rolling. Next
year the Catholic League just won't be the same and it has nothing to do
with their entry into the PIAA. It will be because John Hoban won't be
there. God bless, John.
-- Ed Cubbage
---
To the Hoban Family,
Sharon and I would like to say how much we will miss Mr. Hoban.
Each day since his passing we say how hard it is to believe he is no
longer with us. Looking out the window onto Sumac Street will never
be the same. We both keep waiting to see him pull up with his
7-Eleven coffee and Daily News, walking Bogey down street or just
sitting out front listening to a Phillies game. There are so many
good memories with Mr. Hoban but what we will miss the most is just
being able to talk with him out front of the house. I will miss
talking about his day of golf, or what he did last night or how he
needed to slow down after spending three straight nights at the
Henry James. One of our best memories was the Jimmy Buffet concert 2
years ago when "H" and Mrs. Hoban joined us at Citizens Bank Park.
It was a great time. We have looked at those and many other
pictures lately remembering a great person. I was honored to be a
pallbearer at his funeral considering how many family friends Mr.
Hoban had. It was a beautiful service and a true reminder of how
many people's lives were touched by Mr. Hoban. I know that at mass
we were reminded that "H" is in a better place but in our
hearts Sharon and I can't help but think that a better place for him
would still be here with us. We loved him very much and will never
forget him.
-- The DeAngelis Family
---
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.
-- The Meat/Chop Family
Tony, Meat, Chop and Debbie Chomiszewski
---
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
---
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
---
