Bob Hoder passes away...

HODER, Robert J.

"Bob" passed away Monday, September 17, 2018 at his home in Barrington. He was married to Janet Huddlestone of Yorkshire, England for 51 years, and was the father of Mark Hoder (Sue) of Barrington, Veronica Gazeryan (Arman) of Barrington, and Kate Hoder of New York City. He was the beloved grandfather of Lusine, Leah, Lillie, Jack, Brett, Griffin and Brenen.

The son of Marie (Cahill) and Frank Joseph Hoder, Bob was born in Philadelphia, PA. He attended high school in Grosse Point Michigan, Arlington Heights, Illinois, and Barrington High School, where he graduated in 1958, and remained close to friends from all three schools. He and Janet hosted the 60th BHS reunion at their home in July. Bob graduated from URI in 1962 with a BS in Agriculture. He was a proud member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He was a walk on for the URI football team his freshman year, and eventually became its captain. Inducted into the URI Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994, Bob was an ardent supporter of the school. Following university, he played with the Providence Steamroller semi-professional football team, taking part in the longest football game in semi-pro history. Bob was a founder and captain of the Providence Rugby Club and co-founder of the Barrington Rugby Club, leaving an indelible impact on his teammates and players. He was founder and President of Rugby Imports in East Providence, RI, providing jerseys and uniforms to rugby teams throughout the United States for 46 years.

An avid gardener, Bob was known for his spectacular roses. He leaves a loving family, including three brothers: Thomas Hoder (Caron) of Taunton, MA, Frank"Jay" (Nance) Hoder of Vero Beach, FL, and John (Susanne) Hoder of Punta Gorda, FL. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday at 10:00am in the Newman Congregational Church,100 Newman Avenue , Rumford, RI. Calling hours will be held Friday, September 21, 2018 from 5-7 pm in the SMITH FUNERAL AND MEMORIAL SERVICES, 8 Schoolhouse Road, Warren ,RI.Relatives and friends are invited to attend.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Rhode Island athletic program for the Robert J. Hoder Memorial Football and Rugby Scholarship Fund. www.wjsmithfh.com

Published in The Providence Journal from Sept. 19 to Sept. 20, 2018