

Tribute Wall
Wednesday
7
April
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
St. Paul's Church
216 Nassau St.
Princeton, New Jersey, United States
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Mimi Plevin-Foust posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
I worked for Cal and Maryann back when they were doing market research at Comart in NYC. Though I started as a temp, I ended up working for them both part-time over several years. Cal was one of the nicest guys I've ever met and certainly one of the nicest I've worked for. Always pleasant and soft-spoken with a kind smile for everyone. I know he will be greatly missed.
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Richard Kitaeff posted a symbolic gesture
Wednesday, April 7, 2021

My wife, Barbara, and I loved Cal and Diane. From the first time I met them at a friend's house, to the week-ends we shared with them in Avalon, to the sadness we felt with Diane's passing, to serving with Cal in the AMA and the Edison Awards, to the great lunches I had with Cal talking about sports...and on, and on, and on.
So many "Cal stories" I so enjoy telling - the time in Chicago we decided to have dinner at some out of the way place Cal said he knew; after a 60 minute cab ride I asked him how he found this place, and he said "in the yellow pages;" to hosting Bryant Gumbel and Martha Stewart at the VIP cocktail hour before the Edison's, and realizing they hated each other and having to keep them apart, and on and on and on. So many fond memories.
Cal, you will be sorely missed. And, as you used to advise, I hope to "have a productive day."
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Frank posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
In memory of Cal Hodock, I want to share a few stories that had a major impact in my life. I first want to send my thoughts and prayers to Shannon, Courtney and their families. Your father was an amazing man and glowed whenever he talked about the two of you.
I first met Cal in 1994 when he was the Chairman of the American Marketing Association and I was hired to manage an event he founded called The Edison Awards. Most people don’t know that Cal and Thomas Edison have the same birthday. I often wondered if Cal channeled some of Thomas Edison’s marketing “wizardry” into his career as a marketing executive. Cal always found a way to make you feel important and always took the time to teach others what is important in life.
I am so thankful for the time I had with Cal and for everything that I learned over the years. We will continue to keep his memories alive through the Edison Awards and will always remember his famous “Tally Ho” goodbye.
Rest in Peace, Cal.
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Maryann Kozaczek posted a symbolic gesture
Monday, April 5, 2021

From: Maryann Kozaczek
Shannon and the McCoy family, Courtney and the Holdock family, I am so sorry for your loss. May the treasure trove of experiences you hold in your hearts from having Cal so long in your lives comfort you now.
I remember Cal always smiling, warm, approachable, thoughtful, insightful and quietly brilliant, yet surprisingly funny. In 1987 he hired me to join him at a new products consulting group in Manhattan. Eventually we both formed consulting practices and often teamed up to work on each other’s projects. Throughout our collaborations Cal was focused on innovation, listening to consumers for that "nugget" as he called it, that behavior or comment that would spark a new product idea or a creative campaign. When he found it, his eyes would light up; he truly loved what he did. Many companies today have product lines that are built on Cal’s “nuggets” of insight.
Our pharma, HBA, financial and tech oriented clients were far flung; with inevitable down time in airports. Cal used the time to talk of his family-- his wife Diane's leadership in the skating community; her brilliant find and aquisition of the Cape May house summer home they loved. He shared updates on daughters, Shannon and Courtney delighted with their skating, diving, academic and career achievements. When Shannon named her son after him, he floated on air with pride in "Little Cal."
As a new parent, Cal was my counselor on “defining moments" of children. His advice was wise, witty and optimistic. Even Cal's voice mail message wished everyone "a positive and optimistic day.” Cal thought you couldn't change people; saying, "The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior," but you could encourage them to play to their strengths and go above and beyond their own expectations. He was that rare person who chooses positive reinforcement over criticism.
With the 2007 publication of his book on innovation, "Why Smart Companies do Dumb Things," Cal came to speak at New Jersey American Marketing Association where I was then President. Our members were tough on book authors preferring to hear from corporate execs or practitioners, but Cal had been author, executive, association leader and consultant at various points in his life; he had done it all. The book was just icing on the cake for him. After his stiring and engaging speech attendees rushed to meet him, keeping him late answering questions, For a weary bunch of commuters on a week day evening, that was high praise.
Cal was focused on priorities both personally and professionally. He knew some details were not worth worrying about. It is impossible to think of him without seeing the ever present reading glasses perched on his nose. He left dozens of pairs of those glasses on airplanes enriching his optometrist who stood ready to Fedex a pair to him wherever he might be. When Cal he began to teach at Berkley college, we joked that he was a "natural" and "already an absent minded professor." Of course, he was a huge success at teaching...his students adored him and retrieved his forgotten reading glasses for the next class.
Thank you, Cal, for being my mentor, colleague, counselor and friend, and for all the encouragement and inspiration...and the great stories.
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Huiwen Tu posted a condolence
Sunday, April 4, 2021
My deepest condolences to Professor Hodock’s family. My memory of his dated back to the days when he was a professor at Berkeley College. Many times, after the class he was surrounded by his students; it was easy to know that he was very welcomed by his students. He was always very kind and patient with his students and colleagues. He will be surely missed as a warm and caring professor and colleague.
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Peter Klein posted a condolence
Sunday, April 4, 2021
My heartfelt condolences. I knew Cal about 6 decades, after first meeting him at Gillette in the 1970’s, and we kept in touch over the years. He was highly respected and an innovator in the world of market and consumer research; and also a leader, a manager, a mentor and a man with high integrity and a genuine style & personality. We worked on many projects together and I provided him my perspective and lessons learned over the years, as he did with me, when our careers took a different direction company-wise after our Gillette days. He was an icon in his chosen profession.
Peter Klein
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Orlando Padilla posted a symbolic gesture
Friday, April 2, 2021

My most sincere condolences to the Hodock family.
I first met Calvin through his loving daughter Shannon. Calvin was a inspirational intellect, with a infectious smile and style that set you at ease. In the times I was fortunate enough to converse with him he was always open to any topic. We bonded specially on world politics and effects on business and culture. He saw events for what they were without the gloss. Always upright and sharp, yet with a understanding that I've yet to muster. He will very much missed and I can truly say he was to me a Titan and a treasure that blessed all with his wit.
I wish his loved ones solace in the memory that they are the offspring of a Giant amongst mortals. May He Rest in Peace. Calvin may be gone but, will not shorty be forgotten.
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The family of Calvin L. Hodock uploaded a photo
Thursday, April 1, 2021

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