Gary was born in Newark, raised in Hillside and graduated from Hillside High School. He proudly served in the United States Army National Guard. Gary was the third generation owner of the family florist and greenhouse grower, Jacobi Florist in Newton, originally in Hillside.
Gary was a member of the Stillwater Sportsmen Club and a member of the NRA. He was a talented artist as a florist and a painter. Gary enjoyed painting scenes of Sussex County; his skill with a paintbrush beautifully recreated many of the County’s landmarks.
Gary was predeceased by his parents, Daniel Hockenjos and Rose (Jacobi) Mergott. He is survived by his beloved wife, Judy (Abrams) Hockenjos; his sister-in-law, Maureen Abrams; and his nephews, Robert and Michael Abrams.
Visitation will be held from 3 pm to 7 pm on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High St, Newton, NJ. Interment will be held privately in Stillwater Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gary’s memory can be made to: Stillwater Area Vol. Fire Department, 929 Stillwater Road, Newton, NJ 07860 or to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675. Online condolences may be offered at www.smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com.
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