John Peter Hobson Jr.

HOBSON - John Peter, Jr., 79, of Cambridge Springs, PA died Sunday, November 9, 2008, at his daughter's home in Pittsburgh. John was born on December 18, 1928, in Erie, PA. He was the oldest of 5 sons born to Dr. John P. Hobson, Sr. and Anna Lucille Thomas Hobson. He attended Allegheny College in Meadville, PA where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics in 1951. He then served with the US Army during the Korean War. After returning home, John entered the University of Pittsburgh before transferring to Penn State University where he received his Doctorate of Philosophy in Geology in 1958. In that same year, he and his wife moved to Tulsa, OK, where he worked for Cities Service Oil and Gas Company for 32 years. During these professional years, he had the opportunity to do research and fieldwork throughout the American west and in the barren Arctic Circle. He was published many times throughout his career and his passion for geology never lessened, even after his retirement. John is survived by: 2 daughters - Jennifer Hobson Ramchandran of Export, PA and Melissa Hobson Vogel of Norman, OK; 5 grandchildren; and 3 brothers - Harry Hobson, Thomas Hobson, and Vincent Hobson. In addition to his wife of 55 years, Donna, who died on September 26th of this year, John was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Hobson. Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Thursday. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Cambridge Springs on Friday morning at 10 a.m., with Rev. Fr. Mark Hobson, nephew of the deceased as celebrant. Burial will be held at Cambridge Cemetery. (814)398-2413.