WILLIAM HOBART

1924 - 2018

HOBART--William Harrison,

In the early morning hours of the first day of 2018, William Harrison Hobart died peacefully at the age of 93 next to his beloved wife, Julia DeCamp Hobart, in the place he loved most, Troy, Ohio, his "Camelot." Married nearly 63 years, William and Julia raised a family of six children, Lydia (married to Duncan Mason), Rachel (married to Edward Toole), Helen (married to David Zorensky), Katharine (married to Jonathan Moore), Harrison (married to Janell Denler Hobart) and Surrie (married to Steven Frank). They were blessed with 14 grandchildren: Will, Sam, Henry, Maggie, Walker, Emma, Frances, Max, Elsie, Harry, Peter, Charlie, Julia and Edward. William was born to Rachel and William Hobart Sr. on July 5, 1924, at a small hospital on Plum Street, across from his family home in Troy. He enjoyed an exuberant childhood with his friends and siblings, Marcia, Lucia, and Peter. William attended school in Troy and graduated from The Hotchkiss School. After serving in the Army Medical Corps during the Second World War, he completed his education at Yale University and The Wharton School of Business, and then returned to Troy to live a life committed to his family, Hobart Brothers Company, and the surrounding community. In each realm, he was honorable and fair. A man of remarkable grace and consistent kindness, William loved and was loved by the people around him. Treating everyone with respect, he lived by the Golden Rule. He worked at the family welding business with great dedication and skill for over 6o years; it grew tenfold under his guidance as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. William contributed years of dedicated leadership to many community organizations including Aullwood Audubon Center, The Miami Conservancy District (for 32 years), The Miami Valley School, The Ohio Nature Conservancy, The Overfield School, Stouder Hospital, and the Trinity Episcopal Church Building Committee. His quiet but infectious joie de vivre was apparent in his attentive listening, a twinkle in his eye, a joyous whistle, a lovely sense of humor that prompted silent body-shaking laughter, a love of a variety of musical genres, and an inimitable ease and grace on the dance floor. William loved nature and the healthy life. Summer lightening storms captivated him. He began recycling decades ago, led an annual Earth Day clean up of the entire length of Polecat Road with his children, and made numerous backpacking and river trips with family and friends. Most days began with a handful of vitamins, a glass of buttermilk, and bacon shared with his dogs. For years he rode his bike to work and often afterwards jogged in his canvas sneakers. William set an example for all of us. His steady grace asks us to be "mindful of the needs of others," and we are better for his being in our lives. Interred on January 3rd in a private family service, William's life will be celebrated in memorial services to follow in Troy, Ohio, and in Siasconset, Massachussets. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Troy Park District's Hobart Urban Preserve or The Overfield School.