Lester A. Hoch of Topton, and formerly of Fleetwood, passed away on April 21, 2015 at the age of 101. He was the husband of the late Lillian M. (George) Hoch who passed away October 25, 2014, with whom he shared 68 years of marriage. He was the son of the late Samuel H. Hoch and Ida H. (Adam) Hoch.

Born on December 25, 1913 in Fleetwood, he resided in the house in which he was born until 2004. He was a 1930 graduate of Fleetwood High School. He was employed at Berkshire Knitting Mills, Wyomissing from 1935 to 1956. In 1941, before Pearl Harbor, he entered the U.S. Army and served in England and France for 39 months during WWII. Upon discharge he returned to employment at the Berkshire. He was married to Lillian on May 18, 1946 at Frieden's Church, Lenhartsville.

In 1956 he assumed responsibility for his father's insurance agency operated out of the family home. This eventually became the Hoch Insurance Agency, Inc., Fleetwood, which continues today under the ownership of his sons.

He was a Notary Public. He served as Fleetwood Borough Treasurer from 1966 until 1998, earning The Crosthwaite Award from the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs for 25 or more years of service. He was a Director Emeritus of the First National Bank in Fleetwood, now Fleetwood Bank. From 1930 on he was a continuous member, and most years an officer, of the Patriotic Order Sons of America, Camp 103, now merged with Camp 68. He was a member of the Fleetwood Grange for over 60 years. In 1997 he received special recognition for 50 consecutive years of voting. He was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Fleetwood, serving as an elder and a deacon, and also on the endowment committee. He served on the board of the Fleetwood Cemetery and was a member of Post 625 of the American Legion for over 60 years.

He was predeceased by a sister, Evelyn A. Hoch, in 1907. He is survived by his three sons and their wives, Franklin and Dori, Maidencreek Twp., Daniel and Elaine, Fleetwood, and Kenneth and Carole, Greenwich Twp. There are four grandchildren, one step grandchild, four great-grandchildren and four step great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held Sunday May 3rd from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at St.
Paul's United Church of Christ, 5 West Arch Street, Fleetwood. A second
viewing will be Monday May 4th from 10:00 AM to 11;00 AM. Funeral
service will follow at 11:00 AM in the church. Burial
will be in Fleetwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to
St. Paul's United Church of Christ or Fleetwood Historical Society,
110 West Arch Street, Fleetwood, PA 19522.