Obituary of David Arthur Hosokawa

David Hosokawa
Date: May 16, 2022

David Arthur Hosokawa, 78, of Great Barrington, MA, passed away on May 14, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Dave is survived by his wife Beverly, daughter Dorree, son Sam and his wife Pam, granddaughters Kaiya and Eva, and sister Mary.

Dave was born on July 16, 1943, in ironically, Independence, MO, after being conceived in a Japanese American Internment Camp during WWII. He attended high school in St. Louis Park, MN and graduated from St. Olaf College with a degree in English. He had a successful career in the publishing and newspaper industry, eventually becoming CEO of TMP Worldwide, parent company of Monster.com. He retired in 1998, shortly after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

Dave and Beverly first met on May 13, were married a year later on May 14, with Dave passing exactly 28 years later on their anniversary. They lived life to the fullest, traveling throughout the world, while supporting many non-profit organizations. Locally, Dave sat on the Boards of the Berkshire Country Day School and the Community Access to the Arts (CATA).

Dave was never the loudest or most active voice in the room but when he spoke, everyone leaned in. His thoughtful insight, humble demeanor, balanced perspective, and quick wit attracted and inspired people from all walks of life. He mentored many and worked hard to give back by sharing his knowledge and experience. He was passionate about his family, traveling, boating, fishing, and the New York Yankees. He was also well known for his hall of fame worthy sweet tooth, never meeting a dessert he didn’t love.

Dave was tough as nails, never once complaining about his medical challenges and struggles throughout the years, even until the very end. Rest in peace Dave.

A private celebration of life will take place later this year. The family requests that memorial donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or Best Friend’s Animal Society. Condolences may be made through birchesroyfuneralservices.com.

12 Responses to Obituary of David Arthur Hosokawa

  1. Trevor and Denise Forbes
    May 17, 2022
    at 9:00 pm

    Our deepest sympathies and condolences during this sad time. We are saddened to hear of David’s death and know that he is in a better place.

    Reply
    • Bev Hosokawa
      June 5, 2022
      at 12:27 pm

      Trevor and Denise, I so appreciate your kind note of sympathetic. This has been much harder than I could have imagined. It has taken my a while to gather the fortitude to respond. I am very touched and grateful.

      Bev

  2. Anne Legene
    May 19, 2022
    at 6:48 pm

    Dear Bev and Dorree, I am so sad to hear of David’s passing and send you lots of love along with my heartfelt condolences. I have been in awe of David’s resilience and strength in the face of his illness, as well as yours! You have been his wonderful support and joy through it all. Many blessings and lots of strength for the coming time,

    anne

    Reply
  3. Leo and David
    May 21, 2022
    at 10:42 am

    His stay on this earth may have been too brief but he will always be with us, his kindness will linger forever..,

    Much love
    Leo and David

    Reply
  4. Lelia bruun
    May 21, 2022
    at 12:46 pm

    Dearest Beverly and dorree, I send you both my deepest loving thoughts with the passing of David. I didn’t see any of you often but I know David will be missed and that he was loved and took great joy in each of you.
    His presence will be missed indeed.Sending your family and household loving thoughts now and always. Lelia bruun

    Reply
  5. Leo and David
    May 21, 2022
    at 4:08 pm

    We will always remember Dave ,his kindness will linger forever !

    Reply
  6. Marilyn Orner
    May 25, 2022
    at 8:21 am

    Dear Bev and Doree,
    I am so sorry that David is gone. It was always a pleasure to be in the presence of his gentle friendliness. My own father had Parkinson’s. At least that rough journey is over.
    Love,
    Marilyn Orner Cromwell

    Reply
  7. Marilyn Orner
    May 25, 2022
    at 9:11 am

    Dear Bev and Doree,
    I am so sorry. It was always a pleasure to be in David’s gentle presence. My own father had Parkinson’s. At least that is over for David, and for you.
    Love,
    Marilyn Orner Cromwell

    Reply
  8. Lee and Patty Koenigsberg
    May 25, 2022
    at 2:24 pm

    Dear Bev and Doree:
    Lee and I were so very saddened to learn of Dave’s death. Truly, he was such a kind and inspirational man. The joy he brought to both of you, and your many four legged loved ones was immeasurable. We send you our love

    Reply
  9. Sarah Steven
    June 9, 2022
    at 2:17 pm

    Dear Bev and Dorree,
    I feel so fortunate to have met and spent time with Dave after we moved to Great Barrington and had your family as neighbors. I always enjoyed talking with Dave at parties over the years and agree very much with the comment in the obituary about people ‘leaning in’ to Dave and his quiet, powerful presence. Sending you love,
    Sarah

    Reply
  10. Stuart McKelvey
    June 15, 2022
    at 5:26 pm

    .Dave was a very big influence during an important junction in my life. He put his arm around me and shared his knowledge and expertise while making it all fun. He did everything within his power to make my career successful and I will always be grateful for his outpouring of wisdom and support of my goals.
    More importantly, Dave was instrumental to my father’s success and I know Andy was always very grateful for Dave’s dedication and loyalty to TMP.
    Stuart

    Reply
  11. Christine McKelvey
    June 16, 2022
    at 11:09 am

    Bev,
    I just learned of the sad news of David’s passing. I have such loving and fond memories of both you and David. I have always appreciated and valued the kindness you both extended to me throughout the years. I will forever cherish the fun times, but more importantly the guidance and support that David so selflessly gave to me as I starting out in my career. As you know well, he was a wonderful man. He is and will always be one of my favorites!!

    With condolences and love,
    Christine

    Reply

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