Ralph I. Hocking

Ralph Hocking (born 1931, East Liverpool, Ohio) died at his home, August 12, 2024. He is survived by his wife of 52 years Sherry Miller Hocking.

Ralph was many things: an incisive thinker, a loyal and tolerant friend, a curious investigator of all things mechanical and electronic, an explorer of the natural and scientific realms. He devoted himself to making and teaching art and celebrating life. He began his university teaching career at Allegheny College before accepting a position at Binghamton University in 1968. He served as Professor of video and computer art and Chair of the Cinema Department at Binghamton University until his retirement in 1998. He was a pioneer in the field of electronic media art, founding one of the first campus-based media access programs in the country at Binghamton University. In 1970 he established the independent nonprofit Experimental Television Center, with a residency and research program for artists, training programs for the community, and regional and national exhibition programs. He served as Director of ETC from 1970 until 2011. He served as consultant, advisor and panelist with such organizations as the New York State Council on the Arts, the NYS University Wide Arts Committee, the Society for Photographic Education, the Massachusetts Arts Foundation, and many museums and galleries. He received a Statewide award for his service from the New York State Foundation for the Arts. His personal creative work has been exhibited widely throughout the country and internationally and is available from Video Data Bank. He received awards from the National Endowment for the Arts and the New York State Council on the Arts. He was creative director for the Experimental Television Center: 1969-2009 an award-winning DVD set with catalog in distribution with Electronic Arts Intermix and Video Data Bank. He served as senior advisor for the book The Emergence of Video Processing Tools: Television Becoming Unglued (Kathy High, Mona Jimenez, Sherry Miller Hocking (eds); Intellect Press, 2014) a two volume investigation of the development of creative video instruments for artists during the late 1960s and 70s.

He was a US Navy Veteran.

The family thanks Dr. Keith Nichols, for his friendship and dedication.

He was the father of Nan Hocking, Boston, MA; Melissa (Sean) Hocking, Minneapolis, MN; Sean (Julie) Hocking, Marquette, MI; Leah Hocking, New York, NY; 8 grandchildren Morgan Hocking (Agnes), Renata Hocking (Kevin), Joel Hocking (Katrina), Ben Hocking, Alex Hocking, Jake Hocking, Katie (Greg) Engstrom, Mabel L’Ecuyer, and three great-grandchildren, Nero Hocking, Curie Hocking and Eero Hocking-McCarthy. Two special nephews Sean (Elle) Lachut and Scott Lachut. Sisters-in-law Sally (Gary) Lachut and Mary Bellamy.

At his request there will be no calling hours or service. No flowers. Memories and condolences can be shared in his guestbook at www.macphersonfh.com. A memorial will be announced at a later time. Those wishing can make a contribution in his name to their favorite charity.