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Milton Hobby Obituary
Apr 12, 1928 - Nov 14, 2018
Milton W. Hobby Jr. (Wes) passed away November 14, 2018 at Bridgeport Hospital with his loving wife by his side. He was 90 years old.
Wes was a graduate of Bassick High School, University of Bridgeport and Leland Powers in Boston. He also served in the army in Germany during the Korean War. After serving in the military, he worked at WSKI, WADS, WNAB, WICC, WSTC and WGCH as newsman and D.J. Wes loved the Drum Corps. As the "voice of the drum corps" for over 40 years, Wes emceed competitions throughout the United States. In 2010, he was inducted into the Drum Corps Hall of Fame. Wes went on to teach history and drama at Stamford and Westhill High Schools. As a drama director, he won numerous high school state and New England competitions. Wes had many interests and accomplishments. For 18 years, Wes played Santa Claus at the Special Needs Center in Trumbull, CT. After retiring from teaching, Wes became an avid UCONN sports fan. He never missed their televised games, both football and basketball. He particularly liked women's basketball. Wes leaves behind his devoted wife of 55 years, Lorraine Hobby, 2 daughters Maureen O'Donnell of Monroe, CT, Shaune Montini, of Naugatuck, CT, and a son, Thomas Hobby of Brightwaters, NY, 8 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Wes Hobby was predeceased by his father Milton W. Hobby Sr. and his mother Effie Hobby both of Bridgeport, CT.
Friends are invited to calling hours, Saturday, November 17, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., with a service at 12 p.m., at Spadaccino & Leo P. Gallagher Community Funeral Home, 315 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, CT. Burial to immediately follow at Mountain Grove Cemetery, Harvester Road, Easton, CT.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Milton Hobby
Sponsored by Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home- Monroe.
Laurel (Updegraff) Callan
February 27, 2019
Mr. Hobby was like a father to me at a time in my life when I needed to be seen and cared about by a dad-ish sort of person. He was a blessing in my life and I am forever grateful for his wisdom, silliness, structure, humor, and wearing that goofy kilt.
Margaret WEllington
December 13, 2018
Dear Lorraine and Family,
I thank you for letting me know that Wes had passed away. I have been thinking of all the times we spent together, all the memories, it seems that the "tiny" memories bounced out the strongest. Thank you Lorraine for sharing Wes, for participating in all the events for being there for all the laughs and tears.
I agree with Chris Casey, Wes was a singular human being who has been in my heart since I met him in Freshman History Stamford High. Love to you and all the family.
What a legacy he has!
Margaret Wellington
Westhill HS
Class of 1973
Deborah Wilson-Zweig
December 1, 2018
I am saddened to hear of Mr Hobby's passing. When I think back to my days at Westhill, he was definitely The Voice' I hear. He was a great person, and spirit was in everything he did! (WHS 75)
Special hugs to Shaune Montini, who worked with my son Ryan (Kilar). Your dad's huge heart and spirit shines within you and your work, and now I understand so much of what made you such an Incredible Therapist.
Prayers for peaceful passing, prayers of strength and healing to family.
My sincere condolences,
R0dger Burnich
November 27, 2018
Wes brought acting and stagecraft to his students and they were rewarded not only by the wins in theatre competitions but by having a teacher who could inspire students to find their best. Wes was a wonderful colleague and I always enjoyed his after retirement get-togethers at a little restaurant in Trumbull where we could swap memories of days spent in teaching.
Kelly Moore Clarkson
November 26, 2018
As with many of his theater students, Wes created a safe haven for me to be who I was and a wonderfully supportive one for learning about theater. I went back into acting years after graduating high school and found how valuable my training had been. He held us to high standards, but he expected nothing less from himself.
Thank you for sharing him with us. He was a treasure and will be sorely missed.
Scott Sniffen
November 26, 2018
I add this video for everyone to see how many lives Wes touched.
https://vimeo.com/302876755
Use password: Hobbs
Scott Schiller
November 21, 2018
Rest in Peace Mr. Wes Hobby. The man that coaxed me from the audience to the stage. My love for theater is because of you which I now share with my children. I remember you licence plate was GOD. Now you are Heaven's G.O.D.You were truely an inspiration to all!
Alvin Williams
November 19, 2018
I use to love talking Mr. Hobby since we both had a love for drum and bugle corps. we'd we could talk for hours. he was a walking history book about the activity. May God rest his gentle soul.
Bruce Spain
November 18, 2018
Everthing I know about being a Thespian I learned from Wes Hobby. He was a great coach. He gave me a chance. I am grateful. I'll never forget him. God bless Wes.
Westhill's Mr. Hobby, enjoying a laugh on himself as the GRAND OLD DIRECTOR!
Andrea Bates
November 18, 2018
Westhill's Mr. Hobby during a band performance
Andrea Bates
November 18, 2018
Janice (Balog) Spahn
November 18, 2018
So saddened to hear this He was a great teacher I was blessed to have at SHS 70. A very caring and smart guy I still have my little autograph book I got my teachers to sign, his was one of them!
Cris Casey, Westhill '73
November 18, 2018
Lorraine and family,
Wes would be raising one "... are you kidding me?" eyebrow that this guest book is labeled "Milton".
That said, no adult male had a more profound influence on my life than Wes. His willingness and ability to treat all he encountered with a sense of openness and authenticity provided a model I try and emulate to this day.
Adding my voice to the others: he was truly a great man.
1998 Reunion T-Shirt
Cris Casey
November 18, 2018
Pat S
November 18, 2018
Wes Hobby was my homeroom teacher at Stamford High School back in the 1960's. He's one of only a few teachers that I remember. He was such an inspiring and wonderful person. You should be proud of him. My sincere condolences to his family. Rest In Peace Mr. Hobby.
Stephanie Dahl
November 17, 2018
Wes was THE DRAMA of Westhill High School in the 80s and 90s. So full of personality and inspiration for both students and staff. Even after he retired, he continued to inspire his former colleagues to meet regularly and keep our conviviality alive. A wonderful man, who will be missed and remembered.
Bless you, Wes.
Stephanie Dahl
Glenn
November 17, 2018
So sorry to hear of the passing of Wes. He was and always will be the voice of Drum Corps.
Cliff Richmond
November 17, 2018
Wes Hobby was INDEED the "Voice of Drum Corps". I well remember him announcing the Bridgeport World Open Prelims & Finals way back in the 1960's. A huge debt of gratitude is owed him for his contribution to our activity, Thanks so much.Our deepest condolences to the family.
Andy Lisko
November 17, 2018
Wes was definitely the "Voice of Drum Corps" ... he was Vin Scully and Mel Allen all rolled into one ... he called the youth in the corps "Juvenile Decency" and had many catch phrases for many corps ... his "voice" will live in perpetuity on the hundreds of recordings that carry his distinctive introductions ... thanks Mr. Hobby for making each and everyone you met feel extra special ... RIP
Cheryll Duerk
November 16, 2018
To the Hobby family, Thank you for sharing Mr Hobby with me and all the students that he worked with and taught for all the years. I had Mr Hobby as a history teacher and he made the subject matter come alive! Gifted individual! Blessings and comfort for you all.
John Lester
November 16, 2018
I am saddened by the passing of this truly great man. From his days at Ansonia's WADS to his legendary contributions to drum corps in general and to the CT Hurricanes, in particular, we will long keep him in our hearts and minds.
November 16, 2018
To the Hobby Family,
So sorry to hear of Mr . Hobby Passing. He was a wonderful man and a true gentleman. He taught along side my father at Westhill for many years. Our condolences to your family.
Robert Martino
Joe Mancinelli
November 16, 2018
My condolences to Mrs. Hobby and your family, I am sure Wes will always be in your hearts.
Mr. Hobby was an amazing teacher, mentor, inspiration, he had the amazing ability to show students how great they could be (and I didn't even have him as a teacher). The difference he made in countless students lives is immeasurable. He was the definition of "The Teacher" that changed students lives. I saw this happen time and time again in my 4 years at Westhill and in my little sister when she had him 6 year later. RIP Wes thank you for having been in my life.
A teacher, a friend, a 2nd father
Scott Sniffen
November 16, 2018
Rosemary Bedosky
November 16, 2018
Westhill High School Class of 1975 has a Facebook Page and there are some wonderful reminders of how much he did to build the community spirt of that brand new school back then. Everyone knew him and loved him.
Northstar Playmakers Reunion
Bob DeVito
November 16, 2018
Bonnie Telesco Blank
November 16, 2018
My sincerest condolences to Mrs. Hobby and their children and family. Mr. Hobby was a very special and unique person. I will forever cherish the many memories of The Northstar Playmakers at Westhill High School. Being part of this wonderful group, and spending so many of my high school days with my friends, under his direction, has helped me become who I am today. Thanks, Mr. Hobby...rest in peace. ❤
Mike Malizia
November 16, 2018
My deepest condolences to his wife, Lorraine and their family.
Wes was an extraordinary man who loomed large in the young lives of his students, as evidenced by many coming together from all over the US and Europe for a surprise reunion/celebration of his life 20 yrs ago at Westhill.
Rest in Peace, Mr Hobby
Migawari Zazen- Bonzai
Elizabeth/Betsy Stines- Chandler
November 16, 2018
Dear Lorraine and the Hobby Family
My husband and I send our deepest condolences and prayers. Besides being an amazing teacher and my forever drama coach, he was my friend and loved always. I feel like a little light has stop flickering. I was blessed by knowing him
The Staff of Spadaccino Funeral Home
November 15, 2018
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
mike malizia
November 16, 2018
My deepest condolences to Lorraine and family. Wes was an extraordinary man. When I walked into my first class at Westhill and saw him, with his shaved pate and white beard, talking with a voice made for the radio, smoking INSIDE the classroom, I knew I was in the right place.
John Darer
November 16, 2018
Wes Hobby was an absolute colossus, He coached students (including both my siblings and I, and many of our classmates) and won numerous high school state and New England competitions which brought a tremendous sense of pride to our school and community. Out of respect and admiration for Mr. Hobby and how he touched their lives, a large group of his former charges returned to Stamford for a surprise party to pay tribute after his retirement
Ken Trout
November 16, 2018
Sorry to learn of Mr. Hobby's passing, he was always one of my most favorite teachers!! All the kids liked him. My condolences to his family.
Nancy (Cunliffe) Skoumbros
November 16, 2018
Dear Mrs. Hobby and family. I am so sorry to read about Mr. Hobby's passing. After all these years (66 graduate) I still remember him. He was one of my favorite teachers at SHS. Mr. Hobby's classes were never boring or mundane. He kept us motivated and willing to listen, learn and do the work. He will be missed but never forgotten. May he rest in peace forever and ever.
Sincerely,
Rev. Dawn C Snell
November 16, 2018
To the Family....
From a student of Me. Hobby, Class of 1975, Westhill High School, Stamford...My condolences and prayers go out to all if you, near and far..Mr. Hobby was a special jewel amongst a few and he taught with compassion and zest! I thank God that he loaned him to us in the midst of his 90 years!!!! God bless all of you!
Mark Davis
November 16, 2018
God bless you Mrs. Hobby! Your husband was a wonderful teacher and friend!
Mark Davis, Westhill 1977
November 15, 2018
Thank you dear soldier for your service to our country.
A grateful American
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Memorial Events
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Nov
17
Calling hours
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home- Monroe315 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, CT 06468
Nov
17
Service
12:00 p.m.
Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home- Monroe315 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, CT 06468
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Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home- Monroe315 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, CT 06468
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