David "Dave" Edward Hobaugh

David (Dave) Edward Hobaugh, of Napa, CA, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was 87 years old. 

Born on January 25, 1939, in St. Louis, MO, he was the son of Harry James Hobaugh and Anita Alice Hobaugh. He spent his formative years in St. Louis, before moving to Vallejo, CA where his father secured employment during WWII at Mare Island Naval Shipyard. 

Dave attended Hogan Junior High School where he lettered in swimming and graduated from Vallejo Senior High School in 1957. During his senior year, Dave went to work at Mare Island Naval Shipyard as an apprentice boilermaker. Following his apprenticeship, he moved to Shop 03 Power Plant as a Controlman. 

On October 19, 1958, Dave married his high school sweetheart, Sandra (Sandy) Clavo. Together, they made their first home in Vallejo and lovingly welcomed four children into their lives. Dave and Sandy shared the gift of hospitality. They were gracious hosts and opened their hearts and home to many. Dave was the life of the party and Sandy’s touch elevated every event. 

During his career at Mare Island, Dave received promotions to leadership roles as Inspector, Utility Mechanical Systems; Planner and Estimator, Mechanical Systems; Supervisor P&E and Branch Head Code 421. Subsequently, he returned to Shop 03 Power Plant as a General Foreman, followed by Utility Shop 03, Superintendent. After a 25 year distinguished career at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Dave retired at age 42 and began a new career in Real Estate. 

Dave received his Real Estate license in 1984 and became active in the Napa County Association of Realtors (NCAR) on the Education Committee, followed by roles as Vice President and President. Additionally, he served as Director to the California Association of Realtors (CAR) in 1990. During his real estate career he received outstanding performance awards for his role as President and Realtor of the Year in 1990. Dave’s wife, Sandy, also received her real estate license and together they worked as a team to care for their clients. Dave went on to obtain his Broker’s license while working for Coldwell Banker Brokers of the Valley, where his second career spanned nearly 35 years.  

While working as a Realtor and Broker, Dave became an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Napa. For many years he served as Chairman of the Human and Spiritual Aims committee, inspiring the Club to greater participation in the Prayer Breakfast. He served as Vice President and President for which he received the Clubs’ highest award for Outstanding Leadership and Kiwanian of the Year 1994-95. 

A natural born entertainer, Dave enjoyed spending nights and weekends performing as a square dance instructor and caller in Napa at The Grange Hall and for Clubs in Vallejo, Contra Costa and Marin Counties. He was an active member of the Square Dance Callers Association of Northern California and past President 1985. Dave was instrumental in the formation of The Ghost Riders, a local Square Dance band who performs at live music dances. 

Although Dave was a dedicated professional throughout his career, his true pride in life was his family. He was a loving husband for 67 years to Sandra (Sandy) Hobaugh and a devoted father to four children. He cherished his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was affectionately known as Uncle Dave to 29 nieces and nephews. Dave will be remembered for his charismatic personality, love of music and passion for gathering with family and friends. During retirement, he enjoyed golf, BBQ’s in the backyard, taking his sweetheart to lunch at Rutherford Grill, traveling with family and celebrating any occasion. 

Dave is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra Hobaugh; sisters, Anita Lynn (Harv) and Marilyn Sowards (Ray); four children, Rhonda Brown, Ed Hobaugh (Renee), Gary Hobaugh (Janice), Denise Troxclair (Chris). He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Anita Hobaugh, sister Mollie Rose Sorensen and brother Harry James Hobaugh, Jr.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 11AM at Tulocay Cemetery Chapel, 411 Coombsville Road, Napa, CA. 
 

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