Richard "Neal" Hooker

Richard “Neal” Hooker, 68, of Uhrichsville, was called to Heaven on Saturday, December 23, 2017, from Pat’s Porch at Hennis Care Centre in Dover. Born March 26, 1949 in Dennison, he was a son of the late Verne Allen and Catharine Jean (True) Hooker.

Neal was a 1968 graduate of Claymont High School before proudly serving his country in the U.S. Air Force and its Reserves. He was employed by Praxair, the former Dover Cryogenics and AMCO, as a cryogenic technician until his retirement in 2008. Neal was a lifelong Twin City resident who was active in his community as a volunteer fireman in Uhrichsville for 18 years, he also was a Uhrichsville Little League coach for a number of years, and most recently, was a volunteer at the Kent State University Performing Arts Center. He was a loyal fan of the Cleveland Browns and Indians who enjoyed attending many Cleveland Browns home games. Neal also loved being outdoors, fishing and hunting - especially turkey hunting- and bird watching. He was a longtime member of Immaculate Conception Church in Dennison.

On September 13, 1969, Neal married the former Janice Ann McPeek who survives him at their home. He is also survived by their children, Cathy (Matt) Sciarretti and Jesse (Amy) Hooker, and grandchildren, Anna, Matthew and Thomas Sciarretti. Neal’s siblings, Janet (Brad) Huntsman and Leslie (Nina) Hooker; sisters- and brothers-in-law, Rosalind T. Hooker, George and Nancy McPeek, and Tammy and Don Freed; and numerous nieces and nephews survive him, as well. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, David A. Hooker.

Father Jeff Coning will celebrate the funeral Mass on Thursday, December 28, at 10:00 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery near Dennison. Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday in the R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home in Dennison and will conclude with a 6:45 p.m. Christian Wake Service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Tuscarawas County Humane Society and the American Cancer Society.

Neal’s family wish to express their deep gratitude to the staff at Pat’s Porch at Hennis Care Centre in Dover for all the excellent care provided to him during his stay there.