Donald A. Hostetter, executive director emeritus of the Presbyterian Conference Association in Holmes, N.Y., died early on Easter Sunday morning in a hospital in Ireland. He had been unconscious for a week following a collapse on an airplane returning from leading a tour to the Greek Islands.
Hostetter was the executive director at Holmes for 33 years, according to Peter Surgenor, who is the current executive director. “Don was a great resource to Presbyterian Camping in the U.S. He served as a camping consultant on behalf of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and was key to the development of the Presbyterian Church Camp and Conference Association. Don shared faith stories with thousands of campers and staff in Holmes and strengthened that sharing in camps across the U.S., according to Rev. Surgenor.
Don Hostetter was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte M. Hostetter, and is survived by his sons, Mark and Jonathan, and his wife Joan Wise Hostetter. “Many grandchildren (step, adopted, and accepted) shared his life,” according to the death announcement.
A Memorial Service and Witness to the Resurrection was held on April 28 at 2:00 p.m. at First Church of New York City (12th and 5th Ave). An additional service is being scheduled in Owego, the town of his residence. Friends Day at Holmes on July 28, 2007, will also include remembrances and a celebration of Don’s life
