Former Hobart Brothers CEO dies

William Hobart Jr., the former chairman and CEO of the Hobart Brothers Company.

William Hobart Jr., the former chairman and CEO of the Hobart Brothers Company.

William Hobart Jr., the former chairman and CEO of the Hobart Brothers Company, died at the age of 93 on New Year’s Day.

Hobart helped lead the welding company that his grandfather, Charles Clarence Hobart, started in 1917. The company, based in Troy, makes welding “consumables” such as stick electrodes, solid wire, flux-cored wire and metal-cored wire.

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He worked at the family welding business for over 6o years, according to his obituary. Under his leadership, Hobart Brothers Company grew by “tenfold.”

The company has three “plants” under one roof on Trade Square East and another plant in Traverse City, Michigan that makes aluminum wire. There’s also a Piqua facility.

Hobart was also known for his public service.

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For years, he led several community organizations including the Aullwood Audubon Center, The Miami Valley School, the Ohio Nature Conservancy, The Overfield School, Stouder Hospital, the Trinity Episcopal Church Building Committee and The Miami Conservancy District for 32 years. He also served in the Army Medical Corps during World War II, according to his obituary.

A private funeral service for Hobart was held today and memorial services will be planned in Troy and in Siasconset, Massachusetts.

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