Alan Walker Hobart died on Feb. 20, Presidents Day, at his home on Martha’s Vineyard. He was 65.
The Hobart and Conway families have lost a wonderful husband, father, brother, and uncle.
Alan was the son of Merrill S. and Winnifred C. Hobart. He grew up in Longmeadow and returned after graduating from Alfred University in Alfred, N.Y. A varsity soccer star at both, his athleticism and love of sports carried on until the end.
His early employment was with Prototype Plastics Engineering before entering into the financial planning industry, joining Dean Witter Reynolds in Springfield. In the mid-1980s, Alan’s hard working and entrepreneurial spirit led him to start his own financial advisory company, Summit Financial Services. For 25 years he grew his business, specializing in biotech and emerging medical technologies. He greatly enjoyed researching companies, engaging with industry experts, and building a client base throughout the years. After the economy crashed in 2009, Alan he took a step back from the finance world and began to substitute teach in the Longmeadow and Westfield school systems. He discovered his second calling in life and truly loved teaching. With a seemingly limitless memory and penchant for history and politics he was able to enchant a whole new generation of children.
Alan and his family had deep roots in Longmeadow, where he was colloquially known as the Mayor of Longmeadow by his friends and family. Throughout the years he served on numerous town committees and boards. In the 1980s, he served as president of the historical society, chairman of Long Meddowe Days, and as a member of the Center School Task Force to rebuild Center School. He also served on the board of the Longmeadow Cemetery Association, and more recently, on the board of the Council on Aging.
As much as he loved life in Longmeadow, he loved his other home on Martha’s Vineyard even more. For him, the Vineyard was the epicenter for his family; it was the place that drew the generations together, providing both adventure and respite. Alan could be caught every weekday, after the markets would close, swimming in the water with his beloved dogs. By far one of his greatest joys was the activity surrounding Presidents vacationing on the Island. His love of politics was fueled by information he would glean from his contact with the reporters.
He was an avid storyteller and would recount his glorious days with such frequency and passion it felt as if they were just yesterday. Everyone has heard about his varsity soccer days, childhood escapades, and protesting the war in Viet Nam, and more recently his days on Martha’s Vineyard left him with endless stories about meeting the Clintons. Even the Secret Service agents knew of Alan and his stories. Sports and love of conversation drew people to him.
He is survived by his wife Kathleen, daughter Ashley, and son Timothy. He also leaves behind his three siblings, Martha Niemi, E. Bartshire, and Peter Hobart, and their families.
A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, March 11 at 1 p.m. at the First Church of Christ in Longmeadow.
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