Robert C. Hosley

1927 - 2011

On April 28, 2011, Robert "Bob" C. Hosley, local Realtor and WWII Atomic War veteran, passed away at home surrounded by his adoring family. Bob fought valiantly for 20 years from multiple cancers due to his exposure to ionizing radiation while in service to our country.

Born on Jan. 6, 1927 at home in Roslindale Mass., delivered by his aunts due to a blizzard outside, he was surrounded by love in both his birth and his death. He was the son of Benjamin Hosley and Vera G. (Andrews) Hosley. Bob was very proud of his family's heritage as he is descended from the Mayflower Pilgrims on his mother's side of the family and his father's side arrived in 1635 on the ship Ye Defence of London. His ancestors are truly founding fathers of our nation and included many patriots who fought in the King Philip War, French and Indian War, and Revolutionary War, including the Cambridge Alarm at Concord and Lexington.

Bob graduated from Bristol Agricultural School in 1944 and his dream was to own his own farm. After graduation he enlisted in the US Army and was en-route to Japan on the US General W. C. Langfitt when Hiroshima and Nagasaki were bombed. Three ships traveled together through a Pacific typhoon, two ships sank, his ship with a split hull barely made it to Nagasaki. His company was the first to land in Japan after the surrender and his job was to disarm the Japanese. He often spoke of the kindness and generosity of the Japanese citizens. He found them to be a kind and loving people even as he was considered their enemy.

Upon returning home he met Rosemary Murphy, a registered nurse and the love of his life. They were married on Feb. 22, 1949 and remained happily married for 62 years. Together they owned and operated Wappanuket Egg Farm in Middleboro, Mass. They started out very small and through hard work became one of the largest suppliers of eggs in the New England states. They raised their five children on the farm where they spent an idyllic childhood riding horses and running through the woods. During that time Bob was very involved in his community. He is a past president of the Middleboro Kiwanis Club and the Massachusetts Farm Bureau.

In 1977 the family relocated to Ventura where Bob started a second career as a Realtor. His wife, two daughters, and a son-in-law joined him in the business and they became known as "The Family of Realtors." Bob was loved by all who knew him. He was an extraordinary example of the "Greatest Generation" as he treated everyone with love, kindness, honesty and integrity. His word was his bond and his laughter was contagious. He will be missed by many.

He was preceded in death by his son, John, last November. He is survived by his loving wife, Rosemary, of Ventura; his son, David and wife Carol, of Arizona; his daughter, Janet McNamara and husband Bruce; daughter, Diane Inman and husband Bob; daughter, Susan Hosley O'Conlon and partner Thomas Tankersley, all of Ventura. He has seven adult grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and most recently the addition of three newly adopted grandchildren all of whom were the light of his life.

Above all else he was the patriarch of his family and he was adored by everyone. He was often found encouraging others with his words of wisdom and proclaiming that, "We should all enjoy our lives, be kind to others, work hard and play harder, but above all, make memories with your loved ones."

His family would like to extend their thanks to those who took the time to call, visit and send cards. It brought him great joy in his final days to reminisce about the "Great memories of wonderful people in his life." Thank you also to Congressman Elton Gallegly who took the time to call him and thank him for his service to our country. It meant a great deal to get the recognition for his sacrifices. We would also like to thank Tina at Buena Vista Hospice for her wonderful care during his final days as well as many other medical providers throughout his illness.

Fly with the angels and be with God our beautiful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Your spirit will always shine brightly in our hearts. You will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

There will be a private family service as Bob wanted.