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Classmate Christine Vasar just informed us of the passing of Ron Hockett and provided the following obituary:
Master Gunnery Sergeant Ronald Craig Hockett, after 78 years, went to play the great gig in the sky on May 16th, 2025. His kind heart and warm spirit will be forever missed by his beloved wife Michelle, his siblings Sue and Scott, and their families: sister-in-law MaryLou, stepdaughter Alexandra and her husband Jon, his niece Linda and her husband John and daughters Susanna, Janie, and Laurie, and his nephew Jim.
After establishing himself as a teenager on the Chicago jazz scene, he toured the Orient with The Dukes of Dixieland. He graduated from Princeton University with a degree in music before joining the Marine Band at The White House, "the President's Own", as principal saxophone. Upon retirement from the band, Ron was invited to play clarinet with the famous Jim Cullum Jazz Band on the Riverwalk in San Antonio for twelve years, where they played six nights a week and made many radio shows for National Public Radio. He continued to share his brilliant talents for five years in England before settling in Charlotte to be near family.
There will be a private family remembrance at McEwen Funeral Home and final interment at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/charlotte-nc/ronald-hockett-12380821
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John Rosenau
Semper Fidelis brother Ron.
we will always remember you!
John Rosenau Sgt C/1/9 Wpns
1965/ 1966 RVN
William Wanlund
I'm sorry to learn of Ron's passing. He had a rich and rewarding career and used it to make life a bit happier for many people.
Patrick Furlong
I remember Ron as the clarinetist of the Windjammers band, consisting entirely of ETHS students, mostly from our class. (See #18 of School Scenes #1 in the photo gallery.) That group always struck me as both pretty darned talented and very entrepreneurial. I'm glad to learn that his experience contributed to a rewarding life in music. Peace, Ron.
Kathy Dalgety (Miehls)
Long-time memory of mine. Ron was a brilliant and successful musician at ETHS (The Windjammers), Chicagoland, Texas, England, and elsewhere. RIP good friend. I will miss you.
Susan Chausow (Southam)
So sad to hear of Ron's death, and remembering his talents with a smile.
Ruth Gross
I, too, remember Ron so well. He was one of my high school crushes. Who wouldn't fall for that wonderful saxophone sound he produced, and more important, for the bright and kind person he was. Ron is one of my most vivid memories of ETHS. This is a big loss.