Francis Joseph Hooks

Virginia Beach – Francis (Frank) Joseph Hooks, 94, passed away on January 14, 2017, surrounded by his family.

Frank is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Nell; son Joseph William Hooks of Falls Church, VA; daughters Paula Hooks Allison; Ginny Hooks Benko (Chris); JoElla Beavers (Jeff), of Virginia Beach; Arthea Williams Cotton of Killeen, Texas; grandchildren Jake and Josh Beavers, Jenna Armstrong, Ciera, Kristina, and Marina Case and their dad Alberto Cotton; Jenna’s dad, Gary Armstrong, long time friends Pat Meakin and Maggie Braun, his many “adopted” children through his children’s friends, and so many wonderful friends, golf buddies, business associates, and of course, the Front Porch gatherers.

Frank was born on June 27, 1922, to Frank and Mary deLestre Hooks of Utica, New York and attended St. Francis de Sales High School. While attending Niagara University, Frank joined the US Army Enlisted Reserve and the ROTC. Frank was called to active duty during World War II and, after 3 ½ years, returned to Niagara University to finish his education, receiving a BBA Degree in Accounting.

During WWII Frank served in the 63^rd Infantry Division and 100^th Infantry Divisions in the European Theatre and was awarded the Bronze Star. After WWII he served for a brief period of time in the Active Reserve assigned to the 101^st Airborne Division, later separating from the service as a Captain in the US Army.

In 1948 Frank moved to Norfolk where he began his career with Waller and Woodhouse CPAs. In 1954 Frank joined Snow, Jr. & King Masonry Contractors, retiring after 34 years. During retirement he joined Galloway Corporation and then Hourigan Construction Corporation where he thoroughly enjoyed “the 20+ years of his working retirement”.

Frank was a member and past president of Optimist Club of Norfolk; member and past president of the Builders & Contractors Exchange of Norfolk; member and past president of Mason Contractors Association; and served on the Board of Trustees for the Bricklayers Pension & Health and Welfare Funds for 45 years. He was a member of the Cavalier Golf & Yacht Club where he served as a board member in prior years and was also a member at the Signature at West Neck.

He was a member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church and was on the original Parish Council servicing as Finance Chairman. Frank and Nell moved to the West Neck area in 2005 and currently are members of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Virginia Beach.

Frank is predeceased by his parents, Frank and Mary deLestre Hooks, his first wife, Cecil Moore Hooks and his sister, Mary Florence Hooks Spath.

A celebration of life Memorial Mass will be held at St. John The Apostle Catholic Church, Va Bch on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 1PM with a reception following after.

In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be made to LifeNet Health, St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, or a charity of your choice.