Carol L. (Fafoglia) Hoban

Ocala, Florida — Carol Lee Fafoglia Hoban, 80, passed away peacefully Oct. 18, 2026, at HCA Hospital in Ocala, Florida. She was born Jan. 30, 1946, in Springfield, Illinois, the firstborn to Gino “Gene” and Betty Rose McMullen Fafoglia. She married Jack Hoban on July 25, 1985, in Springfield. Carol was preceded in death by her parents.

Carol was a central part of the large Fafoglia family and was deeply loved, cherished and idolized through many generations.

Carol graduated from Little Flower Catholic School and Sacred Heart Academy in 1964. She earned her master’s degree in childhood development from the University of Illinois while raising her two girls, Shelley and Jennifer. After receiving her master’s degree, she used her passion for psychology and love of children to change the lives of countless students in her career as a teacher for the state of Illinois. After her benevolent and successful career, Carol retired to The Villages in Florida to live out a lovely, joy-filled, family-centered retirement. As she aged gracefully into her 80s, her spirit only grew richer, along with the wisdom she so generously shared.

Carol’s love for her family knew no bounds and her remarkable quick-wit, unmatched life advice and devotion to her faith and the Catholic church will be forever grieved by her family. Traveling and spending time with her family was what gave Carol the most joy. And through her many adventures, countless unforgettable memories were made.

She is survived by her devoted and adoring husband, Jack Hoban, of Ocala; three brothers; Ronald E. (wife, Cheri) Fafoglia, Steve (wife, Joan) Fafoglia and Jeff (wife, Y) Fafoglia, all of Springfield; two daughters, Shelley Watkis and Jennifer, (husband, Greg) Hinkson, both of Florida; five grandchildren, Casey, Lynsey, Holly, Colt and Ava-Rose Hinkson; four great-grandchildren, Daisy, Beck, Emmy and Lilah; several nieces and nephews, Abigail Fafoglia, Robert Fafoglia, Becki Salah, Katie Skovgaard and Keenan Fafoglia; and cousins, Dianne Wittkoff, Burma Savage and Kevin Ray.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, at the Church of the Little Flower, 800 Stevenson Drive in Springfield, with Rev. Al Kemme officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Springfield.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, in Carol’s memory.

Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is serving the family of Carol Lee Fafoglia Hoban. Online condolences may be expressed at www.curryfh.com.