Thomas R. Hochstine, (USAF, Ret.), age 78, of Fredonia, NY, died Monday August 13, 2012 at his residence. Born May 29, 1934 in Hamburg, NY, he was the son of the late Ralph and Sophie Markovich Hochstine.
A veteran of the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force with a military career that spanned 23 years, Mr. Hochstine served a tour of duty in Korea during the Korean War and three tours of duty in Vietnam during the Vietnam War, retiring from the Air Force in 1974.
Mr. Hochstine was an avid NASCAR fan and especially enjoyed working on his own cars.
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Thomas Ralph Hochstine
He is survived by his wife, Jean Hochstine; four daughters: Terriee Smith of Melbourne, FL, Tammiee Dickenson (George) of Lexington, SC, Carriee Clarke of Dunkirk, NY, and Christiee Hochstine of Fredonia, NY; 9 grandchildren: Greg Mitchem and Meganne Bennison, Jonelle Lockwood, Thomas and Kayla Kriss, Bryce and Cole Dickenson, Caleb and Lucas Clarke. One great-granddaughter Sophia Loren Kriss. Also survived by 2 brothers, Henry and Joseph Hochstine both of Dunkirk, NY; 3 sisters: Nancy Velzy and Mary Barabasz, both of Dunkirk, NY, and Marjory Mayo of Buffalo, NY; his stepbrother, Robert (Darlene) Strek of Fredonia, NY; and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Mr. Hochstine was predeceased by his daughter Tracee Ghezzi; a sister, June Mills; and a brother, Donald "Ducky" Hochstine.
Relatives and friends may call Friday 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the Larson-Timko Funeral Home, 20 Central Avenue, Fredonia, NY, (679-9000) where a funeral service will be held Saturday morning at 11 o'clock.
Interment with full Military Honors at Forest Hill Cemetery will follow the funeral service.
