Tom Hoke, the respected coach of the Rome Free Academy, has sadly passed away, this news marks the loss of a legendary figure in the sporting community, leaving behind a lasting impact on his team and the wider community.
Tom Hoke has passed away
The Central New York community is mourning the loss of a true sports icon, Tom Hoke, who has passed away at the age of 77. Known as the epitome of “Pride and Tradition” at Rome’s Free Academy, Hoke’s 27-year tenure as head coach of the Black Knights is legendary.
His outstanding record of 210-41-4, along with numerous accolades including 19 league titles, 8 Section III titles and the 1981 state championship, cemented his status as a coaching legend. Hoke’s influence extended beyond football, as he also found success coaching Roma girls’ varsity basketball. The community recognized his contribution by dedicating a football field to him in 2010.
Born in Utica, NY, Tom Hoke was the third of six sons of the late Ray and Catherine (McRorie) Hoke. He shared 32 years of loving marriage with his wife, Lorraine Trophia, and together they raised four children and nurtured six grandchildren. Tom’s warm nature shone through at family gatherings and the Hokes’ Christmas parties, where he created lasting memories. He leaves behind a legacy cherished by his surviving brothers, in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friend Ron Bauer.
Tom Hoke’s passion for sports began during his time at Whitesboro schools, where he excelled in football, basketball and baseball. After graduating from Whitesboro High School in 1964, he sought a football scholarship at the University of Buffalo. After his collegiate journey, Coach Hoke returned to Whitesboro to begin a successful teaching and coaching career, mentoring young athletes in JV football and JV baseball.
Tom’s impact on people’s lives is immeasurable and he always expressed gratitude for the many lives that touched his. The mass of Christian burial will be held in the church of St. John the Baptist in Rome, in honor of his memory, followed by burial at the cemetery of St. John the Baptist. Friends and loved ones may pay their respects at Nunn and Harper Funeral Home. A respected figure in Central New York sports, Tom Hoke’s legacy will live on forever in the hearts of those he touched.
What happened to Tom Hoke?
The family of Thomas H. Hoke is saddened to announce his peaceful passing on July 17, 2023, at the age of 77. They hold dear memories and are heavy hearts at this time of loss.
His philosophy of surrounding himself with exceptional assistants, such as Tom Myslinski, Don Bruce and later Bob Ryan, was a testament to his leadership as a head coach. Without a doubt, it takes an entire community to build a winning program, and Tom understood that better than anyone.
In addition to his notable accomplishments in soccer, Tom also made a lasting impact on the Rome Free Academy community as the Head Coach of the Girls’ Varsity Basketball Program from 1986-1996.
During that time he had the honor of coaching his daughter Tina and led the team to remarkable success with an impressive 165-56 record. His coaching prowess earned him recognition as the Onondaga High School League Coach of the Year, and his team won the OSHL Championship during the 1990-91 season.
Among his many accomplishments, Tom took pride in founding the RFA Touchdown Club in 1981, an influential booster organization led by President Ray Tarkowski that provided unwavering support for the football team.
Artie Neuman, a loyal ball boy and dedicated fundraiser, played a key role in Coach Hoke’s journey with the RFA Football organization, showing the profound impact he had on those around him.
Tom’s unwavering dedication to his craft earned him numerous prestigious accolades throughout his career, including the prestigious 1981 New York State Football Coach of the Year, the 1984 NYS Coaches Association Honorable Mention and the 1998 John Arcaro Memorial Coach of the Year Award.
He received the Martin Luther King Award in 1999 and was inducted into the Rome Sports Hall of Fame and the Utica Sports Hall of Fame. Teaching was not just a profession for Tom; it was his life’s passion. He cherished every moment spent shaping the minds of his students, leaving an indelible mark on their lives.
How did Tom Hoke die?
The Central New York community is mourning the loss of a beloved sports icon as Tom Hoke, a respected figure in the region, has passed away at the age of 77. The family of Thomas H. Hoke announces his peaceful passing on July 17, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of extraordinary accomplishments and cherished memories.
Coach Hoke’s unwavering commitment to the world of sports has earned him numerous recognitions and honors. In 1981, he was rightfully crowned the New York State Football Coach of the Year, an honor that reflected his exceptional coaching ability. His outstanding contributions were further recognized by the 1984 NYS Coaches Association Honor Award and the esteemed 1998 John Arcaro Memorial Coach Award.
Namely, in 1999 he received the Martin Luther King Award, symbolizing his commitment to fostering unity and equality. His extraordinary career led him to be inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame in Rome and the Utica Sports Hall of Fame, forever etching his name into the annals of sports history.
While Coach Hoke’s professional accomplishments are truly remarkable, his influence as an educator was just as profound. With a passion for teaching that radiated through every moment, he devoted more than three decades to shaping the minds and hearts of countless students. Tom loved his role as an educator, finding immense joy in the transformative power of education. His students appreciated his guidance, and his legacy as a caring mentor lives on.
During his well-deserved retirement, Tom enjoyed the freedom to spend quality time with his beloved wife, Lorraine, and their children and grandchildren, both in New York and Arizona. These cherished moments of togetherness brought him immense happiness and will be cherished forever.
Tom will be remembered as a loving son, devoted husband, caring father, caring dad, supportive brother and inspirational teacher. His profound impact on the lives he touched is a testament to his character and the indelible mark he left on the hearts of all who knew him.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Abraham’s House, as well as the dedicated teams of nurses and volunteers at the Hospice, for their unwavering support and loving care during this challenging time. We would also like to express our deep gratitude to Father Paolo Angelicchi for his prayers and guidance.
Tom’s journey took an unexpected turn when the RFA football ground was named in his honor following his retirement after 33 years of teaching. This sincere gesture embodied the admiration and respect the community had for him. In addition, Tom shared his passion for golf during the summer months working at the famous Turning Stone Casino Resort, supervising the grounds rangers and golf bag handlers. These efforts allowed him to indulge in his life’s passion while creating lasting memories.
Cause of death and obituary
With heavy hearts and deep love, the family of Thomas H. Hoke is saddened to announce his peaceful passing on July 17, 2023, at the age of 77. The Central New York community mourns the loss of this revered sports personality, whose impact was felt far and wide.
Coach Hoke’s unwavering dedication to his craft has earned him numerous prestigious accolades and accolades. In 1981, he was named the New York State Football Coach of the Year, a testament to his exceptional coaching skills.
During his illustrious career, he also received the Honor Award from the NYS Coaches Association in 1984, the prestigious John Arcaro Memorial Coach Award in 1998, and the Martin Luther King Award in 1999. Furthermore, his outstanding contributions to the world of sports led to his induction into the Sports Hall of Fame in Rome and into the Sports Hall of Fame in Utica, cementing his place among the legends forever.
In addition to his extraordinary accomplishments, Tom Hoke was deeply committed to his role as an educator, devoting his life to shaping the minds and hearts of countless students. His passion for teaching radiated through every moment, leaving an indelible impact on the lives he touched.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Abraham’s House, as well as the dedicated teams of nurses and volunteers at the Hospice, for their unwavering support and loving care at this difficult time. Their kindness and compassion brought comfort to both Tom and his loved ones. Special thanks also go to Father Paolo Angelicchi for his prayers and unwavering support.
Tom’s profound influence was evident as he touched the lives of many. However, he remained modestly grateful, admitting that his life was enriched by countless individuals who crossed his path.
A Mass of Christian Burial, with the Rev. Paul F. Angelicchio officiating, will be held Thursday, July 20 at 9:30 a.m. at St. John the Baptist, located at 210 E. Dominick Street, Rome. After the service, there will be a burial at the cemetery of St. John the Baptist. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects at the Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., located at 418 N. George St., Rome, on Wednesday, July 19, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
As we say goodbye to Tom Hoke, we celebrate a life well lived and cherish the memories he left behind. His legacy will forever inspire us, reminding us of the profound impact one person can have on the lives of many.
Disclaimer: The above information is for general information purposes only. All information on the website is provided in good faith, however we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, as to the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on the website.
Categories: General
Source: HIS Education