Andrew W. Hoge

Andrew Willard Hoge, 80, passed away surrounded by those he loved on September 18, 2023. 

Andy was born February 18, 1943 in Lakeland, FL.  He was the 2^nd oldest with 6 half siblings.  He attended St Leo College Preparatory School and Lakeland High School where he was a drummer in the marching band.  He graduated in 1961 and then spent a year at NYU. 

In 1964 he joined the US Coast Guard and served 4 years.  He was stationed in St Petersburg, FL, Baffin Island in the Arctic sea and Elizabeth City, NC.  He married Harriet A Turner in May of 1966. 

Upon his honorable discharge he attended St Petersburg Junior College and University of South Florida.  Earning his AA, BA and Masters all in the field of psychology with a minor in religious studies.    He held many jobs as a child guidance counselor, working with children with various learning disabilities.  He also began working in the field of Vocational Rehabilitation.  He ended his career with 16 years at the Veterans Administration.  There he worked in the Work Therapy program where he assisted homeless veterans find work, counseling, and further rehabilitation. 

In 1975 his one and only child, a daughter, was born, Amy Michele Hoge.  He was a loving and devoted father and even found himself as a father figure to many of Amy’s friends.  He loved every minute of it.

Andy’s main interests and hobbies were always working around the house on various projects.  He could build, create or repair just about anything.  He also was a wealth of knowledge in just about any subject imaginable.   His love also lay with environmental concerns.  He supported all efforts to conserve natural habitats and resources.

Andy was interred at Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery on October 1, 2023. In lieu of flowers, please donate directly to the Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery.  They area  501c3 and support efforts to preserve the land on their property.