In memoriam: David Allen Hosner, Division of Campus Planning, Infrastructure, and Facilities
David Allen Hosner died peacefully on Jan. 4, 2021, after a long, courageous battle with Crohn’s disease, followed by an insurmountable fight with gastric cancer.
Born on March 3, 1955, in Carbondale, Illinois, Hosner was a true friend to all. He graduated from Blacksburg High School and Ferrum College and attended Virginia Tech majoring in forestry. As a young man, Hosner learned the electrical trade, wiring many homes in Blacksburg, including his own. He was employed by Virginia Tech for 41 years working in various positions in the Division of Campus Planning, Infrastructure, and Facilities.
Hosner was a lifetime member of the Blacksburg Fire Department, serving for a total of 48 years. He was also a member of the Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad, serving for 12 years.
Hosner greatly admired his father John Hosner. In fact, his father's military service in World War II led to a fascination with all things military, especially World War II stores. During his youth, Hosner and his father spent many hours fishing, hunting, and working together outdoors.
In 1990, he married Patsy and spent the next 31 years with his partner in life mowing grass, riding horses, traveling, and just spending time together. They were true soulmates.
Hosner was proud of his many accomplishments, especially his son Jason, who now lives in Berlin, Germany.
He enjoyed riding his quarter horse, Penny. He also tinkered with a 1972 Super Beetle that he rebuilt in the mid- 1990s.
In addition to Patsy, Hosner is survived by his son, Jason and his husband Frédéric; his mother Irene Hosner (Gilbert, Arizona); stepmother Tenna Hosner (Blacksburg); sister Angela Serody (Houston, Texas); niece Sara Serody (Houston, Texas) and nephew Dylan Serody (New Orleans, Louisiana); many cousins and friends (including Charles and Barbara Neal of Ewing, Illinois); and beloved animals Elvis (shih tzu) and Penny (quarter horse). He is predeceased by his father John F. Hosner.
The family wishes to thank the Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department for their faithful friendship and support; the Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad; and Paris Mountain Stables (Rick & Elizabeth Hyde) for providing David with a final visit with his dear Penny Rose; Good Samaritan Hospice (especially Gwen Spangler); Dr. Jerome Goldschmidt and Dr. Tony Ringold and their staffs; the Kennedy Avenue neighbors, and Pastor Kelly Shushock for coming out of retirement to help us through Hosner's final journey on earth.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department or the Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a celebration of life will be held in September 2021.
The original notice can be viewed here.
