Hiram Hoch

Hiram D. Hoch, 82, of Muhlenberg Township, passed away Monday, July 24, 2017 at 2:35 am in Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia. He was the husband of the late Elizabeth J. (Kolakowski) Hoch who passed away October 1, 2003. Born in Reading, Mr. Hoch was the son of the late Hiram J. and Grace L. (Weida) Hoch. He was a member of Calvary Reformed Church, Reading, and served in the United States Army as a musician. Mr. Hoch graduated in 1952 from Reading High School and received a bachelor's of science degree in music from Ithaca College. He attended Central Connecticut and West Chester Universities and received his master's degree in music education. Mr. Hoch was a music teacher and marching band director in the Reading School District for 20 years and was an educator for a total of 37 years. He was a life member of the American Federation of Musicians, volunteered annually for the Reading Holiday Parade, and served as a judge at the Ephrata Fair Parade. He was a member of the Reading High School Alumni Band and served as co-conductor of the Reading Philharmonic Orchestra. Mr. Hoch was past president and past vice-president of the Music Educators of Berks County and taught private clarinet and saxophone lessons for more than 50 years as well as repairing musical instruments. He is survived by his daughter Colleen H. Umbenhouer, wife of Gary L. Umbenhouer of Douglassville, his daughter Brenda M. Hoch of Reading, and his son David B. Hoch of Roswell Georgia. He is also survived by his loving companion, Shirley J. Petery, with whom he resided.
Funeral Service will be held at the Bean Funeral Home, North 16th & Rockland Streets, Hampden Heights, Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at 1:00 pm. Reverend Dr. Stephen Ohnsman will officiate. Interment will follow in Gethsemane Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Bean Funeral Home Wednesday 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Arthritis Foundation (http://www.arthritis.org/donate.php) or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (https://donate.lls.org/lls/donate) in memory of Mr. Hiram D. Hoch. Online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com