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One North Causeway
New Smyrna Beach, Florida
John Hostetter Obituary
New Smyrna Beach, FL
Poet, painter, Pirate, song writer, actor, musician, and beloved brother, friend and husband, John Hostetter passed into spirit on September 2, 2016 after a long and difficult battle against cancer and its aftermath. John was born October 6, 1946 in Brooklyn, N.Y. to Ethel Potter Lewis and George Christian Hostetter. He grew up in Hanover with brother Chris and sister Flora, graduating from Eichelberger High School in 1964. He went on to attend Catawba College and UNC at Charlotte, and received a Master of Fine Arts in acting from Cornell University. He toured with the National Shakespeare Company before moving to California in 1971. He studied and began to perform the works of Lord Buckley, which he continued to do throughout his life. In 1975 he met Del Appleby, his wife of 40 years. Together they moved to Los Angeles in 1975 where John pursued his interest in acting, appearing in many movies, television shows, commercials and industrial films over his 25 year career. Until his death, he was an active, proud member of Screen Actors Guild, the American Federation of Television and Radio Performers, and Actors Equity Association. In 2001 he and Del moved to Florida and their home on the beachside in New Smyrna Beach. There John discovered and pursued his talent as a visual artist, painting acrylics in the style of Australian aboriginal art, carving and painting custom walking sticks and sea shells, and creating imaginative found-object sculptures. As a musician, John wrote many original songs, and in the last ten years, recorded five albums. John sang and played harmonica and rhythm guitar with a number of bands over the years including the Studs, the Mighty Echoes, and since 2004, the Pirates, the Thursday night house band at Peanuts Sports Bar on Flagler Avenue. His creativity is well documented at www.johnhostetter.com and www.thepiratesnsb.com. John was predeceased by his mother, father and brother. He is survived by his wife, his sister, three nephews, Chris, Tim and Greg; and his grand nephew, Alex. John leaves behind many devoted fans and friends, and a loving family that miss him deeply but rejoice in having known him and having their lives touched by his humor, kindness, loyalty, intelligence, and gentle, loving spirit. The memory of his singular personality will be held dear by all of us forever. Good bye, sweet Prince and Godspeed until we meet again
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Hostetter
September 4, 2024
JH: He will be missed as Stiles in Beverly Hills Cop II and He had best voice for Bazooka in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero or Animated G.I. Joe: The Movie
Mary
October 13, 2018
Beat Hotel at Olio - EPIC
Mary Jilek
February 11, 2017
This afternoon, out of the blue, I realized that I had not seen John in my little local NSB store in quite awhile...not knowing how to contact him, I googled his name to sadly discover he had passed. I truly enjoyed every time John popped in to my store for his office supply needs. We would chit chat about his life...a current bicycle he was painting, his office he was organizing, his wife who his love radiated for, etc...but never once did he tell me he had cancer. I remember the day he came in without his long hair and I questioned why? He told me he was tired of it...I feel like a fool for not knowing better, but clearly he preferred to keep it personal. Thank you for blessing me with your visits and always bringing a smile to my face. Condolences to all the family...RIP dear John.
Scott Chamberland
September 23, 2016
Rest in Peace
michelle plakas-kaiser
September 19, 2016
rip
September 15, 2016
Our Deepest condolences to the family. (Isaiah 60:20 ) May you all have comfort and peace in these words.
bvd
September 15, 2016
I really enjoyed John acting,very funny man. May Almighty God and Jesus comfort him. (John 17:3)
Brenda Rosenthal
September 14, 2016
John..so glad to have had the opportunity to know you. Tim will be very glad to see and be able to play with you again. Del...so sorry for your loss. Your in my thoughts and prayers.
Bob Calabrese
September 13, 2016
John Hostetter, "Creator"
A man of open heart.
A man of open mind.
A man of open hand.
We need more like him.
Mary Anne Trumbull
September 13, 2016
Del, You are in our thoughts and prayers. We enjoyed knowing John. He was such a talented man. Sending sympathy and much love, Bob & Mary Anne Trumbull
JJ
September 13, 2016
Very sorry for John Hostetter passing . May God comfort his family and friends . "Happy are those who mourn since they will be comforted . " Matthew 5 : 4 .
Pat & John, 1980 Maybe.
Patrick Fraley
September 12, 2016
September 12, 2016
To the family of John Hostetter, my deepest condolences. May the
God of all comfort give you peace and strengthen you.
Sincerely,
Spring,
Chicago, Illinois
Jen Ferguson
September 12, 2016
I am so heartbroken to hear of John's passing. A truly unique individual with a great big heart and adventurous spirit. I was blessed to call him a friend. Del, my heart goes out to you and my shoulder is here for you.
September 12, 2016
Dear Flora,
So sorry to hear about your brother's passing.
Thinking of you and keeping your family in my prayers.
Take care,
Ann Baker, Codorus Service Unit, Hanover, PA
C B
September 12, 2016
Let your memories bring a smile, tickle your funny bone, and touch your hearts while you endure these difficult days ahead. Ro. 12:12.
September 11, 2016
Dear family,
Saddens me to hear of your lost of your loved one John. May the God of All Comfort be with you and your family during this troubling time. (Isaiah 60:20)
Lady Laurie Lord Buckley
September 11, 2016
Meeting John for the first time was in the 70s, as he stood on a group of haystacks at Las Vegas' first Old Worlds Art Fair in front of the Convention Center. I'd been looking at a cool leather purse with flowers...and I heard someone doing my dad's material...I stopped and walked over to this guy who had a decent audience, also sitting on the bales, and I sat down and listened. John was doing Lord Buckley's "Jonah and the Whale." I was in my early 20s, and it was the first time I'd heard my dad's material live in a decade...and the first time I realized what the 'great green vine' was...for when dad was alive, it was never given a name...but it sure smelled good when I came home from school. After his show, I walked up to him, introduced myself, I knew he'd be shocked...for most people didn't know where we were, unless they were close friends. It was a joyful moment for both of us.
I wouldn't see John again until decades later at the Lord Buckley festivals in California. It was a joyous reunion to say the least. John's love for his lordship was profound. I know Lady Buckley would want me to say how much she adored him and Lady Hostetter, and how much she loved being with them.
The evil of cancer has taken them both, yet their memories shall stay alive as well with all who knew and appreciated their great talents. All my love to the family who I know are grieving from their loss, as we are. Just wanting you to know how much we loved him, and have been honored by his dedication and tributes to performing Lord Buckley so that others could dig what they both laid down.
May he bring all the love and laughter in his performances in the next dimension...as he did here. For the beauty of great talent is that it must carry on the gift of what it brings to another world, as it did in this one. We dug him, and we'll miss him, yet, we will never forget him. Thank John, all my love, Lady Laurie Lord Buckley and family.
Jf
September 11, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Garcia
September 10, 2016
Rest in Peace.
Scott & Patrice Lincoln
September 10, 2016
Del, we were saddened and surprised to hear of John's death. So sorry for your loss. Can't imagine how hard it must be for you. We are wishing you happiness and peace. Farewell John. Rest in Cool. You certainly earned it. The world is darker without you.
Jeanny
September 10, 2016
I send my deepest condolences to the family and friends. It's so comforting to know that we can draw close to God in times like these and He being the God of all comfort can mend our broken hearts and dry our tears. I'm so sorry for your lost.
Jane Dowling
September 10, 2016
God bless you and your loved ones ~ Rest in peace.
Nory
September 10, 2016
I'm so sorry for your loss. John was a good actor. He will be missed.
Robin Stout Cook
September 9, 2016
RIP John
You made our highschool classes a hoot.
And band.
Thank you.
I never saw you in death and I can't believe your feet no longer walk this island home of ours.
An old friend
September 9, 2016
Sorry to hear this, Del. He was a bright light.
D Paul Yeuell
September 9, 2016
To the Hostetter Family
I'm am truly sorry to hear of the passing of your dear lived one. Sadly death is something that all humans have in common. "May the God of all comfort" give you the strength to endure during this most difficult time.
K.C.
Patty Grau
September 9, 2016
All of the Grau family in Florida has such fond memories. I even dressed up to emulate him at a party we had and he did a triple take when I went to see him. He even cut off part of his gotee to add to my costume to authenticate my role. Love you John. Please watch over us from your new studio. Keep painting. We will see them in our dreams. My walls are covered with your work. Now my dreams an be also. ❤❤
September 9, 2016
May the God of all comfort be with family and loved ones.
Martha Hoffacker
September 9, 2016
John, you sat next to me in many classes and homeroom because of the closeness of our last names. You and I went to the same church and sometimes you cracked everyone up in choir and our youth group. Please, spread a lot of cheer in Heaven and try to send some to earth. We need it. Hope to see you next life!
September 9, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
L W
September 9, 2016
I'm deeply saddend by your loss. His memories will last forever as you look back on all your precious times together . May the God of all comfort be with you during this painful journey. He said in Pslams 145:18,19 that he is near to all those that call on him. Please use this time to ask him for comfort and strength.
Victoria Morris
September 9, 2016
Iam very sorry to the friends and family for the loss. Soon there will come a time when we will never have to grieve the loss of a loved one in death ever again.
Andrea S.
September 9, 2016
Our sincere condolences to you and your family in this time of sorrow. Isa 41:10 Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be anxious, for I am your God. I will fortify you, yes, I will help you, I will really hold on to you with my right hand of righteousness.'
September 9, 2016
My sympathy to the Hostetter family.
Php 4:6 Do not worry over anything, but in everything let the things you have to ask for be made known to God by prayer and petition with thanksgiving.
Elizabeth
September 9, 2016
My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Scott Brown
September 8, 2016
My Brother, thank you for your many years of trust, inspiration and friendship. Wednesday's will not be the same now that you have left this earthly gig. You are and will be missed. I will see you in that better place where you are now doing your thing. Keep a seat for me in the studio.
larry boyle
September 8, 2016
Thanks John !!! you were always a pleasure to work with.you did good.rest in peace.
Judy(Brown) Yoder
September 8, 2016
Have known John for many years,,,way back to Sunday School at Tinity UCC, Hanover. He was always so much fun! My sympathies to you all! May he rest in peace
Alice Hampton
September 8, 2016
John John John... Gonna miss you, your talent, your antics, your hospitality on Thursday nights. RIP my friend & neighbor, Happy Trails
Harry Simpson
September 8, 2016
Godspeed, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
catherine forester
September 8, 2016
John didn't waste a day. A life truly worth living. We will continue our political discussions on another plane.
My prayers are with his family, he will be remembered fondly and he is back playing with Timmy right now and with his mother and father and brother.
L
September 8, 2016
I'm very sorry Mrs.Hostetter for the loss of your husband.May the promise to see your husband again comfort you.John 5:28
Phil Rohrbaugh
September 8, 2016
Rest in peace John. My condolences to the family. John will be greatly missed.
September 8, 2016
CONDOLES TO THE FAMILY. WE HOPE THE FAMILY CAN FIND COMFORT IN GOD'S WORD,IN YOUR TIME OF NEED. 2 COR. 1:3.
September 8, 2016
Such sad news this! Heartfelt condolences to his family.
steve
September 8, 2016
God BLESS!
Susan Swartz/O'Brien
September 8, 2016
Rest in Peace, dearest John.
Susan Swartz/O'Brien
September 8, 2016
John was a childhood friend whose friendship I cherished immensely.
I watched him on Murphy Brown and was so proud.
Rest in Peace, dearest John.
Edna Culpepper
September 8, 2016
Rest In Peace, my dear friend.
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