Richard J. Hocking of Ormond Beach Florida former longtime resident of Guilford CT. passed away peacefully on March 4th 2011 in his home with his loving family by his side after a 2-1/2 year battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Born in Meriden on December 23 1933 he was the son of the late Scoville D. and Alma Hocking and stepson of the late Elizabeth Hocking. Richard "Pop" was a devoted family man who loved to spend time with his large kin who he selflessly gave much of his time whether it was to prune their flower beds or keep them company with his warm smile and hearty laugh. He also loved the game of golf and shared that hobby with many of his close friends and family . Richard leaves his loving wife of over 55 years Loretta whom he has been "joined at the hip" with for all those years. The two have raised a family traveled and ran a successful Garden Center business for over 45 years which specialized in growing and selling mums throughout the Northeast. Many of you may remember the sign ""Mums the Word"" that sat atop the hill overlooking the expansive fields. Throughout his life he has touched many people with his sincere honest and friendly demeanor. Neighbors friends and family members agree that Richard was simply "the nicest man they had ever met". That statement has rang true throughout his life as he made new friends business associates and warmed many people's hearts along the way. He is also survived by his three loving children Wayne Hocking of Egypt Jeffrey Hocking and Nancy Lombard both of Guilford his brother Charles Hocking of Hamstead North Carolina his grandchildren Joseph Michael Caroline Jackie Ryan Courtney Stephanie and Soleil and his great-grandchildren Henry George and Cassidy. A memorial service and reception to be held at the Aberdeen Assembly Hall Ormond Beach Fl. On Tuesday March 8th 2011 at noon. A Memorial service will be held at a future date in Guilford CT so that his family and friends may remember him in the town he called home for so many years. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Richards (Pop) memory to Halifax Health Hospice at 3800 Woodbriar Tr. Port Orange FL 32129. To sign the memorial guest book on-line visit: www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com