David C. Hoselton
April 15, 1940 – September 7, 2023
Our beloved David went home to be with our Lord at noon on Thursday, September 7, 2023.
Born in Rochester, NY, Dave grew up in East Rochester. He graduated from ER High School, received a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree from General Motors Institute, an M.S.E. degree from the University of Michigan, and a Doctor of Humane Letters in 2011 from Roberts Wesleyan College.
Dave joined the family Chevrolet business in 1967 and was instrumental in obtaining the Toyota franchise in 1971 and the Nissan (Datsun) franchise in 1976. Dave was the 4th generation to operate the dealership. He is succeeded by his son Drew. In 2020 the Hoselton Auto Mall celebrated its 100th year in business.
The Rochester Auto Dealers Association elected Dave as President for two separate terms. He was awarded the RADA/ Rotary Humanitarian Award. In 1998, Dave was awarded the Time Magazine Quality Dealer Award.
His passion for service to the community and leadership dates back to his youth. Among his achievements was Eagle Scout, followed by Troop 31 Scoutmaster, and Otetiana Committee Member and Chair. He was awarded one of the highest awards, the Silver Beaver, and the Scouting Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.
As Finance Chairman, he served on the 1988 Billy Graham Crusade in Rochester and also served on the Southeast YMCA Board as Chair, Rochester Rotary, the Pro-Life movement (receiving the Leo Holmsten Human Life Award). Who can forget when he ran the Olympic Torch on Dec. 31, 2001, in Buffalo, after a snowstorm that left tunnels of snow with banks nearly 6 feet tall?
He founded the Hoselton Foundation in 1974, focusing on Christian youth and education, which provided for the Houghton College Chair of Private Enterprise and Ethics and the Roberts Wesleyan Chair of Ethics and Free Enterprise.
Dave always felt called to a mission of serving and investing in Christian higher education. He served 25 years on the Board of Roberts Wesleyan College, 12 as Chairman, receiving the President’s Award of Excellence in 2011. Then he also had the privilege of serving on the Patrick Henry College Board of Trustees.
Mission trips started when he led youth to rural Kentucky in the 1980’s for construction projects and to share the Gospel of Jesus. More recently, he led trips to Uganda on three occasions and participated in an Amazon River Mission trip. He was a member of Perinton Community Church and Sarasota Baptist Church.
His recreation passions included car racing, skiing, and Scuba diving in his younger years and golf, hunting, and fishing more recently. Dave loved nature and the outdoors, especially Algonquin Park, the Adirondacks, and Naples in the southern tier.
He leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Coralie. Three children, Katherine (Steve) Durgo, Brett (Amy) Hoselton, and Drew (Riley) Hoselton. Grandchildren Alexandra (Nicholas) Durgo, Matthew (Rebekah) Durgo, Caleb (Naomi) Durgo, Randon (Amanda) Hoselton, Dane (Anne Shirley) Hoselton, plus three great-grandchildren, Enoch, Zadok and Acacia Hoselton. His brother Neil (Nancy) Hoselton.
Calling Hours will be held Thursday September 21, 2023 4-7pm at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (Egypt Location) 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road, Fairport. Funeral Service Friday September 22, 2023 3PM at Perinton Community Church 636 High St Ext, Fairport.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Roberts Wesleyan University, 2301 Westside Drive, Rochester, NY 14624 or Patrick Henry College, 10 Patrick Henry Circle, Purcellville, VA 20132.
Comments
15 responses to “Hoselton, David C.”
My thoughts and prayers for the departed soul as David embarks on the eternal journey. Reading through his life is an inspiration for us – to make the best of our intellectual and material blessings to spread good around us. My heartfelt sympathies with the family on the passing away of a gem of a soul.
I was so sorry to hear this terribly sad news. As you know, Coralie, I understand what a painful time this is for you and your family. Maybe David and Mark can get themselves into a vintage Chevy and go on a road trip…with the top down!! Hugs, Susan
I was lucky enough to be able to work side by side with him on his farm in Naples he was a hard working guys always treated me good really looked up to him I also work many years at the Chevy dealership as a used car mechanic he would walk up to me often ask how I was doing and say good morning great man to work for
Dave Hoselton was a kind individual and a man of high standards. He was a credit to the Retail Automobile business and as a fellow dealer myself, I believe we were all better because of him. David was a long time advocate for the unborn and did so without judging those who disagreed with him. His love of education was evident in his own life and the lives of many young people whom he encouraged to value learning. David enjoyed his many hobbies and his sense of humor served him well. David will be missed in our community and truly was a Man for all Seasons. RIP Mike Piehler
David lived a live of very strong faith, and ‘walked the walk.’ He showed his love for Roberts Wesleyan with many hours of dedicated time, and financial gifting. First met David in 1967, and realized that this Eagle Scout could have been sucessful in any profession… smart and humble. His choice was to continue the Hoselton Family Legacy in Auto Retail. Our community has been blessed by his choice.
Dave Hoselton was my friend, mentor and teacher. He was a great listener and always asked the right questions, he was fair in his thoughts and the decisions he made defined him. My success had a great deal to do with what I learned from Dave. He was a gentle soul, kind and reverent. His compassion towards others was of the highest level. His love for his wife Coralie of 63 years, and loved ones will forever be remembered and deeply felt in the days and years ahead. When Dave lead the Rochester Automobile Dealer’s Association (RADA) as President, he defined and set a course for the association for future leaders to follow at a time when RADA needed it most. I believe this was also true with the many organizations he lead. He is, and will always be in my mind, one of the finest individuals whom I have had the pleasure to get to know and respect. You will be missed, however the memories will live on.
We were able to go on mission trips to Uganda that were organized and led by Dave. He helped us financially and spiritually and gave Craig a trip to a safari when Dave was unable to go. Working with him in Africa and here at Sarasota Baptist, and building a strong friendship with him and Coralie has been a very precious gift. He was God’s man here on earth and his legacy will live on.
Are you related to Francis McAllister formally from Holley?
Jack Moore
Dear Neil and Nancy,
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family with the passing of your brother David.
May your memories of David bring you comfort during this sad time and may he rest in Eternal peace.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Chuck and Linda(Dianetti) Alongi
I had the honor of serving on two boards with Dave. The first was on the board of Faith Haven, a home for unwed mothers in Naples, NY. The second was on the Leo Holmsten Human Life Award Board, which he joined after receiving the award himself. His dedication to the cause of the unborn was inspiring and his quiet but strong presence on these boards was remarkable. May he rest in peace and may Coralie be comforted by warm memories of a very special person.
My deepest sympathies to the whole Hoselton family for the loss of this great man. I was fortunate and honored to work for his Chevrolet dealership for over 35 years. He will be missed but his legacy will benefit the community for generations to come.
My sincere condolences to Coralie and others in Dave’s family. Dave was my patrol leader in Boy Scout Troop 229 in East Rochester and role model for his steady, calm style of leadership. He taught me the dignity of collaborative work within the troop. My first and still memorable experience was how he taught me the best and easiest way to wash the troop’s pots and pans during my first weekend camping experience in Powder Mills Park. His solid character was clear and confirmed in all the significant humanitarian and leadership roles listed in his obituary. I admired and respected Dave as a terrific role model.
Dave Hoselton was a kind hearted, caring man. I worked with him for over 20 years as his Assistant. My heart goes out to his family for their loss. His kind nature was evident in the way he lived his life with a vast love and caring for human nature. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to know him; he will be sorely missed and always in my prayers.
Coralie,
Nancy and I would like to express our heartfelt sympathy to you, Katherine, Drew, Brett, and your whole family for the loss of your Dave. He was a “family man”, good citizen and fine auto dealer, revered by everyone who had the good fortune to know and work with him. Dave was principled, thoughtful, and a tribute to our industry and the Rochester community. He will be fondly remembered, and greatly missed, and you all will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Rick & Nancy Dorschel
So sad to learn of Dave’s passing, very painful time for Coralie, Drew/Riley, Brett .Katherine and Grandchildren. We had the privilege of meeting Dave in the the early 90s, then shared overall passions for learning about most anything associated with Nature. We accepted his Vision: Creating NWR [Naples Wildlife Reserve] on land his family had acquired years earlier. Purpose: to understand wildlife behavior [Whitetail Deer priority} in a more attractive habitat. Information freely shared with any organization or individuals expressing interest. Always had some new concept/method to discuss and implement. Wonderful man and family to work with, many special memories! Thank You Alan