David Ralph Hogin

May 5, 1923 - May 25, 2012
David Ralph Hogin

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David R. Hogin, Sr., passed away peacefully May 25, 2012 at the New Hanover Hospital in Wilmington, North Carolina. He was 89 years of age.

David was born in Topeka, Kansas on May 5th, 1923 to Ralph McClellan Hogin and Loretta (nee Murphy) Hogin. He grew up in River Forest, Illinois with his parents and his brother Phillip. His father worked for the Santa Fe Railroad, ultimately serving as the Controller.

The family later moved to Scarsdale, New York, where David attended Scarsdale High School. He was very active in the Boy Scouts of America, and attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He excelled in high school, and graduated as the Salutatorian of his class in 1942. He then enrolled at Cornell University to pursue a five-year degree in Chemical Engineering.

In 1943, David enlisted in the U.S. Navy’s V-12 program. Under this program, he spent two more years at Cornell before going on active duty in 1945. David then deployed on the USS Turner in the Pacific Ocean during the last months of World War II. He was steaming towards Japan in August of 1945 when Japan surrendered. David was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1946 with the rank of Lieutenant JG. He then returned to Cornell and received his degree in Chemical Engineering. He excelled in the program, and was invited to join the Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society.

David began his career as a chemical engineer with Esso in 1950. He holds multiple US Patents including an apparatus for handling finely divided solid materials (1953) and another for a domestic heating device (1961.) He continued to work for Esso, later renamed Exxon, as a petroleum economist until his retirement in 1985.

On March 20, 1955 David married Robyn (Bobbie) Elze Conant of Scarsdale. Together they raised a family of five children in the suburbs of New York City, in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, Sands Point, New York, and Darien, Connecticut. David and Bobbie moved to Wilmington, North Carolina in 1989.

David had a love of music and especially jazz. He played piano from an early age. After his retirement from Exxon, he had a second career as a jazz disc jockey. His Saturday Night Owl jazz program aired on station WHQR in Wilmington, during the 1990’s

David was active in the Wilmington community and joined the Cape Fear Chordsmen, a barber shop chorus. In addition, he was active in the Unitarian Church where he served as Treasurer.

He was a wonderful husband, father, grandpa, and friend. He will be sorely missed.

The family would like to thank the staff of Champions Assisted Living and New Hanover Hospital for the great care they provided. And the family would like to especially thank Sue Warden of Home Instead whose love and support meant so much to him and his children.

He is survived by his five children; Woodward C. Hogin of Stamford, CT, Bradley R. Hogin of Newport Coast, CA, David R. Hogin, Jr. of Wilmette, IL, Samuel C. Hogin of Petaluma, CA, and Nancy C. Hogin of Alexandria, VA. He is also survived by his five grandchildren; Emily A. Hogin of Washington, D.C., Molly M. Hogin of Manhattan Beach,, CA, Benjamin W. Hogin and Samantha R. Hogin of Wilmette, IL, and Bradley C. Hogin of Petaluma, CA.

Services will be held at a later date, location to be determined.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Funeral and Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403.


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  • May 29, 2012
    David Mangini says:
    I am saddened to hear of your loss as I know that your Dad was a big part of your lives. You guys are in my thoughts and prayers.

  • May 30, 2012
    Phil Brady says:
    Dave was a member of Wilmington Toastmasters and president of the club in the early 1990s. His speeches, stories, leadership and mentorship to me are cherished memories. I once called Dave after a meeting to tell him I could not attend and preside over the next meeting. Dave's response was, "It is a good thing you know that now as you have time to find a replacement." Dave was so good at offering valuable advice in a kind way. I have used that line many times in the last two decades. I will miss his mentorship but his teachings live on. Blessing to Dave's family.

  • May 30, 2012
    Virginia Hardy says:
    May each of you in your family continue to know the love and joy and peace that your dad showed in his life. The talents that he shared were a gift to the Wilmington community. I am grateful that our paths crossed at WHQR.

  • May 30, 2012
    Christine Divoky says:
    I remember Dave from Toastmasters many years ago. I remember him talking about his Night Owl program and the Chordsmen. He'll be creating beautiful harmonies with the angels now. My best wishes and condolences to his family.

  • May 31, 2012
    Michele Vogt says:
    My deepest condolences to your father. He was a wonderful person. I knew him from the UUFW and remember him well. He always had a smile on his face. Cherish his memories. For they can't ever go away. Hugs and Blessings Michele Vogt