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Tina Parvis posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
I was very much saddened to hear of Brett's passing. He and Beth were very supportive and went above and beyond to help with my son who is a student at New Road School. He will be very much missed. My deepest condolences to the family.
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Marc Cino posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
I had the privilege of playing soccer with Brett at TCNJ, but the real privilege was becoming friends with him and the impact he had on my life. He turned out to be the funniest person I have ever be met. There are tons of sayings and words he made up, that we still use today. Popgopi, turnarounddoody, sangy, and many more that are now just common words and sayings that get used everyday. Brett always made everyone laugh as hard as they could. He also knew how to have a great time. A memorable day was when he taught us all how to play Thumper. Another was when we were in Italy and he would say he “pissed Euros.” Cuzin Hockenjos was one of his many nicknames. He loved Pat Swayze. There are a million stories, all of them fantastic.
Brett will be greatly missed, but his memory continues and his lasting impressions will always be with us. My deepest condolences to Brett’s family. Hock was truly one of a kind.
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Adam Hua lit a candle
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
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So many amazing and fun memories with Brett. I am upset and sad that he is gone.
As many may agree, our memories with Brett consist of smiles and laughter.
He is the only friend I know that would go to a House Music Club for 12 hours (even though he didn't care much for the music), just so he could spend time with Sak, Mullane, Campi and Me. Of course he wore his large over the ear head phones the whole time, and of course he was banging his head to Rage Against The Machine for 12 hours while he watched the rest of the world around him dance to techno.
I also remember when he was taking a number two in my apartment one night. All of a sudden I hear a crashing sound in the bathroom, so I bust in and all I see is my porcelain toilet bowl shattered in 10 pieces... Brett turns to me with this blank stare, with his pants Down and says in the calmest voice...... " Hua, chop chop, wood?" it made absolutely no sense, but but all I did was laugh.
One event that I will never forget is when he lost my car... And two days later he realized he parked it 1.5 blocks down the road from my house in New Brunswick. His father drove him around for 2 hours looking for it hahaha.
And let's not forget... he invented wearing two collar Tuesdays in Jr. HS.
These memories seem so insignificant and small compared to all the achievements he has made in his life. I am just grateful for the fact he chose to create some memories with me and let me in his life.
Rest easy B Hock.
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Linda posted a condolence
Monday, March 22, 2021
I still remember working with Brett as a one on one in his classroom where he was a wonderful teacher. You could easily see his compassion for the kids . And his sense of humor and love of music made the work day more enjoyable. I still have memories of a particular song that always makes me think of him -which I always told Beth about ! My sympathies go out to Beth and the entire family . May he Rest In Peace.
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Jo-Anne & Geoff Bijas lit a candle
Monday, March 22, 2021
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We were so shocked and saddened to hear about Brett. Please know that you are all in our thoughts. Our hope is that the love of family and friends and the many memories you share will help you during this difficult time.
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Justin Moglia lit a candle
Monday, March 22, 2021
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I am so saddened by the loss of Brett. I did not have the privilege of playing soccer or any sports with Brett growing up, but I had the honor of knowing him as a person. For that alone I am grateful. Though we lost touch over the years, I remember Brett as a kind, selfless and genuine individual. He had a true passion for everything he did in life and just being around him made you a better person. The times we spent socializing together will forever be ingrained in my memory. The world is definitely going to be a less kinder and gentler place without Brett. My deepest sympathies to Brett’s entire family and loved ones. Rest in peace my friend.
~Justin Moglia
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Ted Papadopoulos uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, March 21, 2021
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Brett Hock, my friend, what memories we shared playing baseball and soccer since we were kids. Our days playing all star youth baseball, winning soccer tournaments across the state, to our magical senior year HS soccer run (picture with Brett and his father Coach Tom Hockenjos).
Whether on or off the field, Brett was loved. I mostly remember Brett’s passion which he always carried on the field, and made us all play better for it and with purpose. Brett had a loving spirit and was a deeply kind person to everyone he knew. He had many friends and I feel blessed to have been one of them. He will be deeply missed. May his soul RIP as he reunites with his father, and my deepest sympathies go out to his family.
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Janna posted a condolence
Sunday, March 21, 2021
Last week Cameron and I watched two brothers fell a tree. We walked a muddy path into the woods, alongside the babbling brook as we listened to his dad and his uncle tell stories of where the mushrooms would grow. It was very chilly, and neither of us were dressed for the weather, but something about it felt like a moment to save, to stick around for. So, we did, and our noses got cold and runny as we watched two brothers get organized with a chain saw and listened to their laugher from a distance. It was beautiful moment. Eventually, the tree hit the ground with a thwack and the men cheered.
Oh, how I wish the two of us had more chances and more time to see the duo that was Chad and Brett Hockenjos. Brett died suddenly, unexpectedly this past Tuesday. The world feels a little still, a little empty, because the way Brett lived life was the way that got you excited about watching a tree fall in the woods. He lit up your life, reminded you what it is to be in the moment, to laugh so hard it hurts and to tell the great stories again and again until they wear thin and have to be patched up to tell again. He loved with impact and shared his passions so that you felt good about sharing yours. And he could joke hard. Nice recent jump joke this morning, Brett.
Keep laughing and don’t take it all too seriously. Hug your people. Let your love make an impact. RIP, Brett. This little sister you had for a minute will look for ways you live on.
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Blayne Adams uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, March 20, 2021
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Rieti, Italy, 2004. The TCNJ Men’s Soccer Team arrived in this small town to play a game and have some fun. At night, we found our way to a local tavern underneath a church where the local Italians were enjoying libations and karaoke. As my teammates and coaches took turns singing, none of the Italians were prepared for the impromptu dance-off that occurred involving Brett and couple others. As we all laughed together while Brett and others danced wall to wall, Brett made the same lasting impression on those locals that he did on my life and so many others.
I am so sorry for all of Brett’s family and friends. So many of us lost a selfless, kind and thoughtful friend. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
-Blayne Adams
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Cheryl Geiger lit a candle
Saturday, March 20, 2021
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Ahhhhhh...Brett. I’m still in disbelief and am so saddened that you needed to leave all of us...especially your family. I feel like I’ve known you forever but it wasn’t until you became our principal, my supervisor, that I got the chance to really know you. You always listened and you wanted to learn from me...the sign of a true leader!! Caring, kind, funny...sitting in your hot office with the fan on, trying to figure out how to help a student. We’d look at each other and laugh because sometimes we didn’t know what to do. But, I never left your office feeling bad. I knew you would come back to me and together, we would come up with something. That meant the world to me. I knew I wasn’t alone. I want you to know that you’re not alone Brett. Your Dad is with you and you’re looking down on Beth, Shayne, Nicole, your Mom and Chad. May they be blanketed in your love and laughter and always feel your presence. May they find comfort and peace in the way you cared for them and in how deeply you loved them. You will always be missed Brett. Your beautiful soul is at rest now and lives on in your daughter. You were taken too soon but I’m grateful that during your short time here, I had the privilege of knowing you. God bless you and keep you my friend.
Much Love,
Cheryl
Psalm 18:28 “You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.”
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Joe Schneck uploaded photo(s)
Friday, March 19, 2021
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I am so sorry for your loss. Brett and I were teammates at TCNJ and came in as freshman together in 2000. Immediately, I had a friend and confidant who I knew was going to be there through it all. He could bring a smile and laughter to any situation and had a huge heart for those around him. Principled, gentle, a great listener, and faithful friend. I am grateful to have known Brett and as one of our teammates said "Brett made our team a family"...he will be missed. I am praying for you guys at this difficult time.
-Joe Schneck
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Jeremy posted a condolence
Friday, March 19, 2021
We will miss Brett so much. A great man, A great Coach, and a Great gardener. Love those hot peppers!!!
Always classy, warm, caring and personable. I enjoyed our conversations we have had over the year.
-Jeremy and the Braverman Family
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Mary Katherine Hawryluk posted a condolence
Friday, March 19, 2021
I had the privilege of knowing Brett as a colleague at New Road (formerly High Road) for many years -- since his college years. Brett was very supportive to me when my older son had some struggles in his early 20s When Brett became the principal of New Road, we spent a lot of time together talking about students and figuring out possible solutions to issues. Brett was first and foremost kind - truly a good, caring, empathic person. He connected with students in a way that made them truly felt heard and respected. Brett was also a man of integrity. He was honest and tried his best at all times - whether working with a student, listening to a colleague or problem solving with a parent. Many parents explicitly commented on his kindness and concern . Brett also had a sense of humor. Often at the end of the school day when there were only a few of us left in the building, we would have a good laugh about something silly. I am having a very hard time truly recognizing that he is gone. In my mind, I can hear his voice and see him walking down the hall.
My heart and love go out to Beth, Brett's wife . Beth is a colleague and a good friend. Perhaps not surprisingly, Brett married someone who is also truly kind and caring. And my love goes out to Shayne. Your dad thought you were the best, Shayne. He loved you so, so much. My deepest sympathy also to Georgia, Brett's mother who clearly loved Brett so much. She has been a rock for the whole family. Losing a child is just devastating. Please know that my thoughts are with you.
While it is hard to accept that Brett is gone, all of us who had the privilege of knowing him have been touched in a unique way. Our memories will hopefully enable each of us to be just a little bit kinder in our own lives.
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Mike Ulrich lit a candle
Friday, March 19, 2021
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I'm so saddened by the loss of my friend Brett. I met him and his beautiful family about 6 years ago playing Rec Soccer. Brett thankfully joined me this past year with coaching our soccer team. He was so knowledgeable about the game and taught me something new each time we were out there. He really loved being out there on the field. He was right at home and reliving some of his glory days as a player. What was really impressive about Brett was the way he went about life. He always gave 100% and would not allow for anything less. Whether it was coaching, playing or being with his family, he gave it his all and was always present. He was such a positive guy and easy to talk to. He really was a great listener. Whenever we spoke, he always took in every word and gave it some real thought. He made you feel important. I just can't believe he will not be out on the field with us any longer. He will truly be missed and never forgotten. I want to wish Beth, Shayne and the entire family my deepest condolences and I am praying hard for you to somehow get through this. You know we are here for you if you need ANYTHING. God bless you! - The Ulrich's
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Cindy Kaufman Nixon lit a candle
Friday, March 19, 2021
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I didn’t spend a lot of time with Brett, but when I did, it MATTERED. You didn’t have to know him well to tell he was man of substance, deep feelings, steadfast commitment, and especially great humor. His love for this family was evident, and he openly shared his passions—so much so that you wanted to engage in them as well. I am so saddened by his sudden passing, and my heart goes out to his family. I only hope it brings them solace to know that his much-too-short time here was so well spent and that he’s now been reunited with his beloved father. A special “thank you” shout-out to you, Brett, for your role in Nicole’s life … how much care and attention you showed her. Neither she, nor any of us, will EVER forget your gentle spirit and compassionate soul. Rest easy, you kind man, who brought kindness to everyone you met. Until we meet again ...
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Michael Kaufman posted a condolence
Friday, March 19, 2021
Brett was a wonderful person and an incredible step-father to my daughter, Nicole. The greatest gift anyone can give to your child is to have someone else love them and treat them with kindness and concern. Brett loved Nicole and Nicole loved him...Many times a step situation can be stressful or difficult, but that was never the case with Brett. He was a complete joy to talk to and work together with. I love Nicole with all my heart and to see Brett treat her so well was a blessing. On top of Brett being a stellar guy, he was also really funny...I love to laugh and I would enjoy Brett's sense of humor, and his ability to be silly. Brett would also give you the shirt off his back...literally...He built the most amazing fire pit in his backyard and could chop wood with the skill of any lumberjack out there. He was always generous to offer his extra wood to us, or anything from his garden. Brett loved the outdoors and I will always think of him whenever I go on a hike or see a beautiful forest or landscape as I move forward in my life. If you want to know who Brett was, look at his backyard of his home.....it is full of love, care, compassion, passion and beauty. Brett, you will be dearly missed.
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Andrew Millberg posted a condolence
Friday, March 19, 2021
Half the people in my life know me as Mims. When they ask why I have that name, I explain that there’s no single funny story or directly understood origin. Rather, the real story is that Brett just mysteriously started calling me Mims one day and it stuck. But the reason it stuck is no mystery at all. Brett was one of those rare people in life who had the kind of infectious charisma that others had no choice but to respond to. When he shared a story, people listened intently. When he laughed, everyone laughed. Neither of which were learned qualities. It was just his natural born energy, an energy that was so real and coming from a place of love that you were helpless against it. Being endlessly absorbing was simply Brett’s way. It’s not hyperbole to say he was a true, one-of-a-kind in life. I’ll forever miss him but also be grateful to have also gotten to know him.
Love Mims
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Karen fig posted a condolence
Friday, March 19, 2021
Bret has always been a kind leader, he taught me so much throughout the time we worked together. I’m so sorry for this loss words cannot express. But I’m thinking of all his family at this time, I’m here if you need me. Xo Karen Fiig
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Gregg Karafin posted a condolence
Friday, March 19, 2021
You were a shining star from the moment we met you. You made a lasting impact on every single person that touched your orbit. If only you knew how absolutely beloved you were - how many times you are still talked about so fondly. We'll try to move forward by holding on to the countless memories you left us with - the unforgettable moments filled with keeled-over laughter, the first time experiences that we shared together and the irreplaceable mark you left on so many of us who were fortunate enough to know you. You were such a special person, B-Hock. Your friends will never forget you.
Forever in our Hearts,
Gregg
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Evi Patsourakis lit a candle
Friday, March 19, 2021
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Brett was always a great boss. He was always out for my best interest and was truly there to support and guide my throughout the school year. He was always there for me when I needed him to be. My prayers go out to Beth, Shayne and the rest of his family. I can't even begin to imagine what you are going through.
Love Evi
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The family of Brett Edward Thomas Hockenjos uploaded a photo
Friday, March 19, 2021
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