For better than 50 years, The City of Brotherly Love was fortunate to have the blessing that was Stan Hochman, husband, father, grandfather, writer, broadcaster, and philanthropist. We lost a distinctive and unique voice that sought not only to present us the facts and statistics of each game or match he covered, but also delved into the motivations and personalities of those in the competition.
As noted in the stirring remembrance by Tom Mahon at the Philadelphia Daily News, “…Hochman was a people person. Wrote about them. Cared about them.” And it was always evident in each piece he penned for the paper. From the heartbreaking collapse of the 1964 Phillies squad to Joe Frazier being bested by Ali in the “Thrilla From Manilla”, to number 8 seed Villanova’s unprecedented (and, as yet, unmatched) 1985 NCAA Final Four Championship win over Georgetown, to championships brought home to Philadelphia by our Sixers, Phillies, and Flyers. His was a style that not only informed but educated and entertained.
In the same Daily News article, former colleague Ray Didinger commented on the distinctive voice Hochman brought to the newsroom each and every day. “I always believed that you could take all of the bylines off of all of the stories written in a day and everyone would know which one was written by Stan.” Concluding, he stated, “His style and his voice were uniquely his own. There have been a lot of greats who have worked at the Daily News, but if you were going to pick the single byline that most people will associate with the Daily News forever, it’s probably Stan.”
Though born in Brooklyn, NY, Hochman began his journalism career in Georgia before working for three papers in Texas and a short stint in California. It wasn’t until 1959 that he joined the Daily News to cover the Phillies. He quickly displayed his talent and love for sport and those who play and coach. It is easy to understand why Philadelphia so easily adopted him as one of our own. In fact, former Sixers player and coach Doug Collins may have summed it up best. “Stan is Philly, through and through. He was tough but fair. I always respected that.”
When Hochman passed away last weekend, he had his wife of 55 years, Gloria by his side. He was wearing a Miracle League baseball cap, his favorite charitable organization that benefited children with mental and physical disabilities, and that frequent readers will have recognized from his many mentions over the years. His last words, according to Gloria, sought to provide comfort to her, express love for his daughter and her partner, and impart one last bit of advice to his cherished granddaughter, Sasha. (“Tell her to choose her friends wisely.)
Hochman’s accomplishments, achievements, and mark on our fine city will not soon be forgotten. Stan Hochman, survived by wife Gloria, Daughter Anndee, Daughter-in-law Elissa, and granddaughter Sasha, was 86 years old.