Frederick R. Hobbs

Major Frederick Randolph Hobbs (Ted), US Air Force Retired, of Largo Florida passed peacefully away at Morton Plant Hospital on January 10, 2011 after a short battle with leukemia. Ted was born in Medford, Massachusetts on July 28, 1922 and raised in Maine. He has resided in Florida since his retirement

Ted was one of the “Greatest Generation” to whom we all owe so much. As a young man just out of high school in Maine he stood up and volunteered to serve his country in World War II. He served in the Pacific Theater. He found duty, honor and brotherhood which kept him in the Army Air Corp and later the Air Force. Ted’s military duties spanned many years and countries. He met with the King of Thailand, and even helped to plan the Bay of Pigs Invasion for President Kennedy. His loyalty and devotion to duty were the pillars that supported him throughout his life.

Ted’s civilian career was diverse ranging from air traffic controller, civil servant, and even host on a cruise ship as he danced around the world. He was an avid ballroom dancer and never passed a chance to get up and dance. He was gregarious and loved to engage all around him. Everyone, nurses to waitresses, got a smile and joke and was treated with respect. His love of Brazil and Brazilian music was a passion that he shared with his daughter-in-law Beth. His involvement with aviation made him a true airplane buff. He kept abreast of new developments in the industry and delighted in being able to track airline flights online around the world;even on his iPhone.

Ted was a family man who fought to help guide his children and grandchildren through the difficulties of modern life. Any help within his power was given. He believed in service to the community. As a Mason and Shriner he found an outlet for his giving back to those in need.

Ted is survived by his wife, Agatha (“Dolly”), sons Rick, Tim, Larry, David, and James, daughters Kathy and Sharon, Dolly’s son, Glen, her daughter, Georgette, and his many nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

His memorial ceremony will be on Saturday, January 22nd, at 11:00 AM, at The Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 701 Orange Ave., Clearwater, FL 33756. Donations to the Suncoast Hospice and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in Ted’s name are preferred in lieu of flowers.

We will all miss him so very much and remember him very, very fondly. Have a “great flight”, Ted/Dad/Uncle/Grandpa/good friend.

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