Mr. Joseph Hochwert, 88 of Medford, formerly of Melrose and Illinois died Monday at the Glen Ridge Nursing Home in Medford following a brief illness. He is the husband of the late Eva (Falconbridge) Hochwert. Born in Chicago, son of the late Lewis and Ida (Goldman) Hochwert, he was educated in Chicago and is a graduate of Harrison Technical High School in Chicago, class of 1943. He is a veteran of the United States Army and proudly served during WWII, earning a Purple Heart for wounds received in action in France just hours prior to the outbreak of the Battle of the Bulge. In later years he worked in England and Illinois as an account representative in the screw and fastener industry. A man of many interests, he was known in his younger years to have been a tough and skillful player of football and rugby while throughout his life he collected coins and stamps, played darts avidly, was a fierce competitor at scrabble and loved to carve pieces of scrap wood into unique and memorable objects. He is even known to have penned a handful of original poems. He is fondly remembered as a “tinkerer”, ever-ready to disassemble anything in his path, even if it required no repair. Nothing gave him more satisfaction than spending time with his daughter, grandchildren and great grandson. Although predeceased by his beloved wife, he remained close to her family in England. He was a member of B’nai Brith and also a member of the 87thInfantry Division Association.
He leaves a daughter Angela Silverstein of Medford, three grandchildren, Aaron M., David J. and Hannah E. Silverstein. Great grandfather of Gabriel. Dear brother of Sally Balkin of WI, Leona Alpert of NM and the late Harold, Benjamin and Sam Hochwert. A memorial funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 4:00 pm in the Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 306 Main Street Medford. Visitation prior to services from 3:00 pm. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. A memorial observance will be held at the home of his daughter Angela Silverstein, 54 Myrtle Street, Medford following services until 9:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joe’s name may be sent to the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans, 17 Court St. Boston MA 02108.