JOHN ELBERT HOSKINSON

1951 - 2024

John Elbert Hoskinson, 73, passed away suddenly on August 26, 2024, at his beloved mountain retreat on the outskirts of Germania in Potter County. John was born March 17, 1951, to the late Ralph and Betty (Riffle) Hoskinson of Shadyside, Ohio.
Growing up, John excelled at football and track and being the eldest of three boys, he assisted his parents in their Isaly's Dairy Store in Wheeling, W.V. from an early age. After graduating from Shadyside High School in 1969, he attended the University of Ohio Eastern campus in the evenings, while continuing to work at Isaly's during the day. This activity set the stage for John to pursue a long and highly successful career in the foodservice industry, transitioning early on from restaurant and hotel management to dealer equipment sales, to becoming a direct manufacturer's rep for InterMetro Industries in 1984, before joining E. Ruff and Associates of Cincinnati, Ohio in 1990 and subsequently assuming ownership of the manufacturer's rep group in 1998.
Under John's leadership, E. Ruff and Associates enjoyed a reputation as a top performer, consistently meeting and often exceeding their manufacturers' sales goals. Being extensively engaged in the industry, John was a highly active member of MAFSI (Manufacturers' Agents Association for the Foodservice Industry), which he proudly served as president in 2010. During his presidency, John is credited with implementing long-range enhancements which are still in use by the organization today. John took great pride in his involvement with MAFSI and he left behind a legacy of contributions that won't be readily forgotten.
As an energetic entrepreneur, John thrived on operating and expanding E. Ruff and Associates, in addition to a few related ventures, for over 20 years until his retirement at the end of 2019.
Apart from being an accomplished businessman, John was an avid fly fisherman, photographer, and extensive world traveler, and until his health became an obstacle in recent years, he would jump at the opportunity to seek out his next adventure.
Fly fishing excursions included remote areas of Chile, Patagonia, Alaska, Canada, and Mexico, and when possible, John also loved to wade catch and release stretches of many trout streams near and far. His ever-growing passion for photography led him to join tours capturing many sites of the Czech Republic and Portugal: the lavender fields of France, the tulip fields of Holland and Monet's gardens in Giverny, France.
In 2010, it also prompted him to establish a camera store, the World of Photography in Columbus, Ohio, which is still going strong today thanks to the hard work of its dedicated manager and devoted staff.
Other than the photography specific tours, John, together with his wife, Karen, delighted in traveling throughout much of Europe, in addition to many islands of the Caribbean, and the Grand Canyon and other national parks were also favorite destinations.
John was an enthusiastic collector for many years, and he would eagerly scour antique malls and antiquarian bookshops near and far to grow his favorite collections.
Military history was another passion, especially that of the Civil War, and he was happy to visit Gettysburg once again this past June.
Being an enthusiastic football fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes, in addition to the Pittsburgh Steelers, John rarely missed cheering on their games.
John is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Karen (Bush) Hoskinson; a son, John (Becky) Hoskinson Jr. of Atwater, Ohio; a daughter, Judith (Don) Boyer of Girard, Ohio; eight grandchildren: Christopher Hoskinson, Corey Hoskinson, Cody Hoskinson, Michael Saldana, Frank (Katy) Love, Ashley Love, Kendra Love (Dylan) Whyde, and Courtney Hamble; eight great-grandchildren; a brother, Robert "Bob" (Bonnie) Hoskinson of Ocala, Fla.; a sister-in-law, Denise Hoskinson of Shadyside, Ohio; several nieces and nephews; and his cherished cat, Gizmo.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his youngest brother, David Hoskinson; a nephew, David Hoskinson Jr.; and his first wife and mother of his children, Karen Ravotti.
If asked of any regrets, John would likely respond that his fragile health during the past four years unfortunately kept him from interacting much with many of his family and friends due to never-ending concerns and serious risks of the coronavirus. John will be dearly missed by many, but his loving and generous spirit, warm smile, and witty humor will be forever remembered.
In accordance with his wishes, a traditional funeral service will not be conducted, and John's ashes will be interred during a private ceremony at a later date.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on Saturday, November 2, at The New Englander Banquet Center located north of New Castle. To receive more details and RSVP for the event, please send a message to celebratejeh1102@gmail.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home of Wellsboro. Anyone wishing to make a donation in John's memory may consider a contribution to the American Heart Association, the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, or to an animal rescue center of your choice. To share a memory or condolence with John's family, please visit: www.tusseymosher.com.