Donald Jeffrey Hoak, “Hoakie,” 57, died Sunday, November 27, 2016, surrounded by his daughters, Karestee and Lex, and sister, Kim, at St. Vincent Hospital in Erie, PA. He died from complications of lung cancer.
Don (Jeff) was born on November 28, 1958 to the late Don Hoak, of Roulette, PA, and Phyllis Warner Hoak, of Coudersport, PA.
Don was employed by Penelec of Warren, PA as a Supervisor of Operations for the Line Department at the time of his death. He worked at Penelec for 39 years in various capacities. He was a lineman, worked in the power house, and for 20 years he worked for the Union. Don was business manager for IBEW Local 459 for 10 years and for 10 years prior he was the assistant business manager and Union Representative for local 459. Don was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting and fishing and spent many seasons enjoying the outdoors with his good friend, C.B. Goodrich of Roulette, and his uncle, Dennis Hoak, formerly of Warren. Don’s greatest treasure was his family and while his work often took him away from home, his family was always first in his life.
Don is survived by two daughters, Karestee R. Hoak of Pittsburgh, PA, and Alexxis M. Hoak and grandson, Titus Kole, both of Warren, PA, two sisters, Kimberley Hoak, formerly of Coudersport, and Clara Hoak, formerly of Los Angeles, CA, an uncle, Dennis (Michelle) Hoak, formerly of Warren, PA, two nieces, Autumn Goodrich Kinnard and Cristol Brooke Goodrich Butter, and great niece, Madison Rylee Goodrich. He is also survived by his former wife and mother of his daughters, Beth Hoak, and numerous close cousins in Buffalo, NY, and Mississippi. Don had no fear of death. He knew he was going to Heaven to be reunited with his family. Don knew he “fought the good fight” his whole life, and he was content in going home to be with his Lord, Jesus Christ.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 1:00 P.M. at First United Methodist Church, 200 Market Street, Warren, PA, with Rev. Jon Swart, Associate Pastor, officiating. Flowers are gratefully declined. Don asked in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Salvation Army, 311 Beech Street, Warren, PA, 16365. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
My sincere condolences to your entire family. I knew Don from working with him in the union and had the utmost respect for him. We didn’t always agree, but we were always friends. I’m so sorry for your loss.
My prayers are with the family. I am thankful that I had the privilege of working with and for Don. He is now in a better place.. He will be missed.
Joe you meant so much to Jeff the girls and i. Thank you so much for your kind words!!
Dear Karestee and Lexxi,
There are no words to express how my heart breaks for you. I know nothing anyone says can take away the constant ache you’re feeling right now, the gut-wrenching sadness. But I pray time will bring you comfort and peace, and that the sorrow begins to ease when you think about your dad and his endless love for you both. You and your mom are in my thoughts and prayers. I love you all.
I had the pleasure of working with “Hoakie” for several years with The Warren County Central Labor Council. He advised me and conducted our meetings with the utmost intelligence and pride. My heartfelt prayers for Beth, Karastee and Lexie and families. He may be gone, but will never be forgotten. There hasn’t been a year gone by that I didn’t look for him during Bikers Week, in Florida, just in case he may have been here.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Hoak family. I always looked forward to our union meetings with Hoakie in Towanda. He certainly had a unique way of explaining union issues to the membership. Hoakie may be gone, but he will not be forgotten. I am proud to call him my friend.
Girls. We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Karestee, Lexxi and Kim,
Our thoughts are with you all at this very sad time. Jeff loved hard, lived life and had the best laugh.
He was a tough kid. I am sorry to have missed talking with him and hearing about his girls. I could tell he was very proud. Peace, Love and may great memories keep him alive forever in your lives.
My condolences to the family during this difficult time. Donny was passionate in every facet and I enjoyed working with him.
The Incredible Hoak! Great man! He always had the working mans interest at heart . Always gonna miss him. Always gonna love him. His fists are in the wind.
Sympathy to Daughters and Sisters and extended family. I worked with Don at Local 459 as one of his Secretaries. I have nice memories. I remember when he got that custom made motorcycle and brought it down to work.
Lexxi, Karastee and Kim,
I am truly sorry for your loss, Don was one of a kind and had a heart of GOLD, he truly loved you girls more than life itself, fond memories I have over the years he and I shared together GOG BLESS you all and I loved him like a BROTHER Rev that bike Don. Love you very much.
Robin Pirrello.
Sorry for your loss, I worked with Hoakie at the power plant. Had good times together. Prayers for the family.
Karestee, Lexxi and Beth ~. we were very saddened to hear of Don’s declining health and death. You were great neighbors on Lincoln Ave, and Tinker enjoyed his friendship and union advice. You are all in our thoughts and prayers……………
Kim, Karastee, and Lexxi,
I am so sorry for your loss. Jeff was an incredible person, an oak tree. I have never seen someone get so many visitors. Your love and support are amazing- you never left his side. It was a privilege to get to take care of Jeff and to meet all of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope you find comfort knowing that Jeff is with Jesus, smiling down on you.
Love,
Courtney/ Dr. Sampson
My deepest sympathy to your family. Do was a great guy!
Karestee, Lexi and Beth,
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Don’s passing. He was a friendly and passionate man, who was extremely devoted to his family. I am thankful that I was able to meet him. I know he will be sorely missed. If any of you need anything, be it a shoulder to cry on or help making dinner, I would be happy to do it. I am thinking about you guys.
With Sincere Condolences,
Lizzy
Lexxi & Karastee,
So sorry to hear about your dad. He was a great man. He gave me a job at the Union hall as one of his secretaries. Which I am forever grateful. He was the best boss I could of asked for. He had the utmost respect for us girls in the office. He always talked about you girls and was always so proud. I lost my dad a couple years ago and the best advice I received was that the pain of lossing him will never get easier but you do grow stronger because of it. He will be missed but never forgotten.
Amanda Shaffer
Lexi, Karestee, Beth.
We are so sorry for your loss. Jeff was such a nice guy & friend. We had so much fun as neighbors & times we will never forget. You girls were his world & he will be deeply missed. Our thoughts & prayers are with you. Joanie Pire, Arianna & Chandler Cook
Condolences to the Hoak family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family. Psalms 147:3 says God, “heals the broken hearted, and binds up their wounds.” May God bring you comfort and peace.
To the Hoak family, I’m very sorry to hear of your loss. I’m in Florida and my friend just call me today. I’m retired now but I worked with Hoagie,l was a shop steward and had the privilege of working on the negotiations for 459. I can assure you that he also did his best for the best Rank and File . But I’m sure you know that. I have fond memories of him , and he always talked about his girls. Again sorry for your loss.