EL PASO, TX/ THOMPSON, CT – Sr. Airman Nicholas J. ”Nick” Hoover, USAF, 23, died Sunday, July 12, 2015 in El Paso, TX where he was stationed while serving in the United States Air Force.
He leaves his father, Webster Police Department Detective Sergeant James T. Hoover and his stepmother Heidi Hoover of Thompson; his mother, Kathleen F. (Otto) Bullard and his stepfather Donald Bullard of Worcester, MA; a sister, Kellie Hoover and her boyfriend Nicholas Rybacki of Brooklyn, CT; 2 half-brothers, Adam Bullard and Joey Bullard; a stepbrother, Timothy Rumrill of Danielson; a stepsister, Andrea Rumrill of Putnam; his grandfathers, John Joyce, Sr. of Dudley, MA and Neal Otto of Middleboro, MA; an uncle, John Joyce Jr. and his wife Faith of Webster, MA; an aunt, Beth Hoover, also of Webster, MA; an aunt Karen Otto; an uncle mark Otto; 3 nieces, Gracie Rybacki, and Savannah and Brianna Rumrill; and 3 cousins, Madeline Joyce, Joshua Gomes and Zachary Remillard. He also leaves his beloved dogs, Anna Belle and Jessica.
He was born on June 17, 1992 in Putnam and attended Saint Anne’s Elementary School in Webster, MA. He graduated from Ellis Tech in Killingly in 2010, having studied auto collision repair.
Nick joined the Air Force in 2011 and graduated from the “School House” at Hulbert Air Field in Florida as a TACP (Tactical Air Control Party). He was currently assigned to the 7th ASOS “Hustlers” as a JTAC (Joint Terminal Air Controller) at Fort Bliss, TX. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, but most of all he loved going to the GYM and working out with his buddies.
Nick was loved by everyone in his life, and, as his family has come to learn, that number was astronomical. His personality and smile could brighten anyone’s day. He had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone, sometimes without them ever asking. He liked to present himself with a tough guy persona, but inside he was a kind and gentle person. Nick will be missed by many and forgotten by none.
The funeral, with full military honors, will be held Friday, July 24, from Scanlon Funeral Service, 38 East Main Street, Webster, MA, with a Mass at 10:00 AM in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 16 East Main Street, Webster, MA. Burial will be private. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday, July 23, in the funeral home. Memorials in his name may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.