Pete Hoch
Marital Status:
Married (for the second time)
Children?
Yes
If so, how many?
Three (two boys, one girl), plus two step children (boy & girl), plus an ex-step child (girl).
Grandchildren?
Sort of
If so, how many?
Two buy ex-step daughter, currently in foster care.
Education:
BS Optics, The Institute of Optics, University of Rochester
Occupation:
Computer Programmer
Volunteer and Professional Activities:
What is a Professional Activity? I go to work, so I guess that is professional. Volunteer stuff is mostly through church.
Current hobbies and interests:
I collect CDs & Comic Books (mostly DC). The comics take up a lot more room.
What percentage of your hair is visibly gray (is this a trick question?)
I estimate 5.75623%
If you had one year free of all responsibility and unlimited funds, what would you do?
Travel to Indo-China in a volunteer program to build houses or teach. Then set up my own wood working shop and make furniture.
What are the most rewarding things that you have done in your life?
I don't think I have done them yet. Raising children is very rewarding, but their successes are rewards for them more than me.
What rewarding things do you plan to do in your life?
Spend a week with Habitat for Humanity, write a book, stay alive for a while longer.
What are your favorite non-family related things to do in your free time?
Listen to a book (audible.com is great), watch a movie, listen to music are primary. Once I get my wood working shop I will spend much of my free time there.
How would you best describe your idea of "being successful?"
Success is internal. Being able to sleep at night, look yourself in the mirror and like it, and spending time with loved ones.
What are your most vivid memories of your days in Ridgewood?
My most vivid memories of the town revolve around Veteran's Field, among these are: the Fourth of July fireworks; walking in the rain with my girlfriend; movie night in the summer; playing football; and Easter morning sunrise service.
What achievement or activity are you most proud of in your life?
I am not sure if this is an activity, but what has surprised me the most has been my ability to change. My parents lived in the same house from the time I was one until I was 20. I figured I would do the same, but after twelve years in the same house in Rochester, NY, from 1995 - 2005 I have lived in four states and eight different houses. Also I worked at three different companies and was self-employed during this time. Oh yea, also got divorced and remarried.
What single piece of wisdom would you like to leave for the next generation?
You can do anything you want to, but not everything you want. Your job is to choose and do.
How have you changed since high school?
Gained weight, lost hair.
What else should we know about you?!
I love exchanging ideas, solving problems, making things that help other people. I get cranky when I am tired or sick and if I am both you better leave the house.