Francis L. Hostrander

Francis L. HostranderAge, 89 was born November 23, 1923 in South Avis, PA the son of the late Leslie Brion and Josephine Florence (Thompson) Hostrander passed away peacefully at the Bath VA Medical Center on Sunday, September 15, 2013. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Betty Jean (Campman) Hostrander; son, John Hostrander; grandsons, BJ Hostrander and Kyle Lenhart. He is survived by his beloved children; Donald Hostrander of Elmira, NY;Leslie (Elaine) Hostrander of Erin, NY; Christopher Hostrander ofFlorida; Barbara Hostrander of Elmira, NY; Sandy Lagonegro of Pine City, NY; grandchildren, Bridgette (Kia) Lesk-Heed; Richard (Jody) Hostrander, Laureen Hostrander, Krista (William) Welch; Bryon Hostrander, Heather Hostrander, Amanda Hostrander; Jeremy Lagonegro (Holly Bombgardner); great- grandchildren, Jordan Lenhart, Tannis & Whitney Hostrander, Hunter & Logan Hopkins,William andRJ Harrison, Jonnathan Welch, Christopher Hostrander, Naomi Hostrander, Serena Lawrence, Phoebe Hostrander, Jadon Lagonegro; sister, Claire Louise Roupp; special friends, Donna Stone, Greg and Michelle Grund; along with several nieces and nephews. Francis retired from the former Remington Rand after 38 years of dedicated service, then after working as a tool and die maker for Corning Inc. retired from there as well. He was a Veteran of the US Navy proudly serving his country during WW II on the USS Hoel DD533. While fighting the Battle of Samar, he was the recipient of 2 purple hearts. Francis, along with his shipmate Keith McKay, researched and then wrote the book, "4,000 Fathoms Under The Waves", of which they were very proud of. He along with his late sister, Lois, did all of the research and genealogy for the Hostrander families dating back to 1660, which was also quite an accomplishment. After being honorably discharged from the Navy and returning home from the war, Francis married the love of his life Betty Jean Campman in 1944. They enjoyed and celebrated 50 wonderful years of life, love and happiness together. Francis was an avid hunter and fisherman and was a volunteer for the Golden Glow Volunteer Fire Department. At his request there will be no prior calling hours. Graveside services will be held privately in Rural Home Cemetery, Big Flats, NY where the Chemung County Veterans Honor Squad will accord Military Honors which he solely deserves. He then will be laid to rest with his beloved Betty Jean. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira/Southport, NY. Francis's guestbook maybe signed in obituaries at www.olthof.com