It is with great sadness we announce the death of F. Paul Hocking, San Carlos, California.

F. Paul Hocking passed away peacefully with his devoted wife Anna and his beloved family by his side at Stanford Hospital. Paul was born in Whittier, Los Angeles, California to Paul Hocking and Elizabeth Jemima Frank. 

Dear Paul was a renaissance man: Ambulance Steward, Medic, Real Estate Developer, Marriage and Family Therapist, Dentist, Civic Volunteer and a wise friend to many people. Paul served in the Navy from 1950 to 1953, where he attained the rank of Captain and was honorably discharged.

Paul trained as a Dental Technician at the US Naval Training Center. He worked as a chair-side dental assistant. Paul attended Dental Prosthetics School at Bethesda, Maryland. Here he worked fabricating dentures until the end of enlistment.

Paul completed his Bachelors of Science degree and his pre-dental curriculum at University of California, Los Angeles, California. In 1955 he was accepted into The College of Physicians and Surgeons in San Francisco. Paul graduated with a Doctor of Dental Science Degree.

During his Post Doctorate Internship he worked with the Department of Public Health for the City of San Francisco. His summer employment was as an Ambulance Steward for the City Police Emergency Ambulance Service. Duties included all medical procedures and psychiatric custodian of patients who were required to undergo court ordered psychiatric evaluations.

Early in his career, Paul worked as a Resident Dentist at Children’s Hospital in the East Bay operating on handicapped children in surgery under general anesthesia. From 1959 to 1989 Paul had an extremely successful and thriving dental practice in Berkeley, California with an emphasis on behavior problem patients. His office took referrals from other dentists who failed to work with these patients. Paul’s practice thrived as did his reputation for being a skilled Dentist.

Paul’s sense of Civic Duty was admirable. He became a Dental Missionary Volunteer to the Village of Hoya in the Sierra Madre Mountains in Mexico. Here he had the unusual task of teaching young villagers his method of fabricating and fitting dentures. This program was under the auspices of The Hesperian Society in Menlo Park. It became a training model for health workers in third world countries.

In 1974 Paul helped establish The Berkeley Health Free Clinic. This was a Program of Emergency Care, Dental Education and Referral Services to the segment of the working poor who fell in the cracks between mainstream dentistry and welfare.

Another great love and appreciation was his interest and talent as an actor. He was a member of the Woodminster Amphitheater, Berkeley, California. Here Paul performed as a general utility actor as principal, supporting and ensemble. His acting made headlines in the local newspapers, especially praised for his portrayal of President Roosevelt.

Paul was passionate about architecture and design and was involved in all phases of acquisition, design and directing development of his various real estate endeavors. One of Paul’s proudest achievements was his restoration project of an imposing Victorian-era home in Berkeley, California; the Boudreau House at Sea Captain corner. It was constructed in 1889 by Captain Boudreau. Paul restored it fully and converted it into 12 apartments. This house was designated a City of Berkeley Landmark in 1976.

After Paul retired from dentistry, he applied to Graduate School at University of San Francisco and graduated with a Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. He took his licensing exam and passed with flying colors. Paul established a thriving practice in Burlingame, California for a number of years as a Marriage and Family Therapist.

Paul was adored by his Irish Family and we made many trips to Ireland. In Rathkenny, County Kerry, he built a lovely summer home. We visited it for many years. He was very proud of his dual citizenship and was accepted wholeheartedly by his Irish Family and all the locals who were so welcoming, always. He was truly a folk hero with the Irish family.

Dear Paul led a purposeful life and his legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of family and friends, the people he served and the many lives he touched. He was a legendary storyteller and a most generous friend to many people. Paul was an incredible role model and mentor.

As his wife, I have had the privilege of being in a relationship with Paul for over 38 years. Paul was a wonderful husband, so kind and loving. I will miss him forever. Paul is predeceased by Ann Hunt Hocking, and Dough and Helen Hocking. He is deeply missed by brother Thomas Hocking, children Michael and Tracy Hocking, grandkids, Steven, Ryan and Cody. Also deeply missed by his extended family of the Franks, the Hockings and the Mc Quinn Family.

Paul’s life was well lived. May he rest in the piece and with the love of the Lord.

Due to COVID services in private.

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