Allen T. Hooker Sr., 95, of Ocean Isle Beach NC, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2023, surrounded by his children. Born on Staten Island, NY, the son of Thomas Hooker and Matilde Wilhelm Hooker, he was preceded in death by Jo Hooker, his loving wife of 67 years. Surviving are his children, Allen (Maureen Delaney) Hooker Jr. of Myrtle Beach, SC, Mary Ellen (Joe) Bonczek of Wilmington, NC, Sheriff Officer John (Donna Ghiorsi) Hooker of Wilmington, NC, and Susan (Brett) Tallents of Fulton, NY, 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Dad was a graduate of McKee Vocational High School and served in the US Navy, on the USS Intrepid, and in the Navy Reserves from 1946-1954. He was an active parishioner of St. Sylvester’s church on Staten Island and served in many leadership roles. Dad had a strong sense of community service. As a coach, he mentored many young men in the SI Pee Wee Football League, served as a lifetime member of the board and was an undefeated championship coach. Dad was a NYC policeman and first-grade detective for 28 years. During his career with the NYPD, he was the lead detective in the Organized Crime and the Crimes Against Persons squads. As one of the most highly decorated detectives in the department’s history, he was given the key to the city from the borough president of Staten Island, and received the Legion of Honor Award. For 15 years, Dad ran the Richmond Hemophilia Golf Tournament raising close to a million dollars. His community service continued with his leadership in establishing funds for police widows and orphans and a golf tournament for fallen NYPD heroes. After retiring from the NYPD, Dad opened Hooker’s Lounge and Restaurant at Silver Lake Golf Club where we had many family celebrations. Dad continued his public service here in NC and served as an OIB Town Commissioner and Police Commissioner in Ocean Isle for close to six years.

Dad loved horses and worked at Clove Lakes Stables during his teenage years. He proudly became a member of the Roughriders, a traveling rodeo show and enjoyed showing off his well-trained horse, Night Shift. Dad loved to fish with his dear friends, the Anson Street Sausage Society, fondly known as the ASS’S. A competitive and talented athlete, Dad played many sports throughout his life. From bowling and speed skating, to boxing, fast-pitch softball and baseball, Dad, mastered every position he played. As a pitcher and 3^rd baseman, he was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers out of high school. We are grateful he picked our Mom versus a career in baseball! Dad was the Police Athletic League champion boxer for many years, representing the NYPD in the Police Olympics. He also represented the NYPD in national amateur golf championships. He was an active member of the Sunrise Club, the Finest Golf Club, South Shore Country Club and Silver Lake Golf Club. In NC, he was an original member of the Rebels golf group and an active player with the Sandpiper Bay Men’s Golf Club. Dad earned club championships at each golf course he joined over 6 decades. Most golfers dream of breaking their age just once, Dad accomplished that for 12 years. His golfing buddies, the Rebels, witnessed his 11^th hole-in-one. While he chased the 12^th, his ultimate goal was to live with dignity and to be reunited with our Mom.

Dad loved life, he loved people and surrounded himself with those who brought him joy. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, there was not a person he met who was not touched by his genuineness, generosity, and his dry sense of humor. Dad was a man with an impeccable work ethic. Whatever he did was completed wholeheartedly. He excelled most at loving his family and friends who in turn reflected that love back to him until his last day.

During his final days, his neighbors, Donna & Dave, Jen, Shelton, Ethan & Emma all watched over him everyday. Their constant vigilance allowed Dad to continue to live his life to the fullest, on his terms. We extend our gratitude to Dr. Rob Harper and Dad’s hospice nurse angels, Ashley & Melissa. They quickly earned his trust and shepherded him and us through his final journey on this Earth.

Visitation will be at the Brunswick Funeral Chapel in Shallotte on Tuesday, May 16^th from 5-7pm and a Funeral Mass at St. Brendan’s Catholic Church on Wednesday, May 17^th at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Dad’s honor to Lower Cape Fear Lifecare, the Jo Hooker Arts & Humanitarian Scholarship or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.