WAPPINGERS FALLS – Less than 24 hours after walking across the stage of Roy C. Kethcam’s graduation ceremony, Henry “Hank” Hochlowski was the center of attention at VFW Post 5913 in Wappingers Falls. Sunday was Hochlowski’s official graduation party, 77 years after he completed his studies.
Hochlowski finished 11th grade at Poughkeepsie High School in 1943 and was inducted into the US Army. He served in WW II in Europe, including six months as POW after surrendering to the Germans. “When I first got out of the service, I went right away,” he said, referring to Poughkeepsie High School. “I did all the studies – but I just didn’t pick the damn thing up,” Hochlowski told Mid-Hudson News, referring to his diploma.
Hochlowski began a career at IBM and spent his entire career there. “I ended up managing a manufacturing and engineering department,” he said, noting that he got what he considers the equivalent of a college education through IBM.
On Sunday, complete with a sash with the word “senior” across his chest, Hochlowski gathered with his family at his VFW post where fellow veterans held a party to celebrate his graduation. Dutchess County Legislator Joey Cavaccini, also an RCK graduate and friend of Hochlowski’s was at the celebration, calling it “An amazing tribute to a great man.”
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