Necrology

Henry Franklin Hosley, Jr. '52

Jun. 18, 1928-Jan. 3, 2021

Henry Franklin Hosley, Jr. ’52 ­maintained a lifelong commitment to his patients’ welfare. According to a published obituary, “He performed house calls throughout his career, long after this tradition had become an uncommon practice.”

Hosley, of Castleton, N.Y., died on Jan. 3, 2021, at the age of 92.

Born on June 18, 1928, in Hackensack, N.J., to Henry and Dora Beck Hosley, he focused his Hamilton studies in chemistry and history while taking time to participate on the track team and Interfraternity Council. The 1952 Hamiltonian yearbook described him as: “The most diligent worker in the Alpha Delt house. Henry’s capacity for continuous hours of study have been a source of considerable amazement to his fellow roomers.”

Following graduation, Hosley spent a few years as a control chemist at the ­Norwich Pharmacal Co. before enrolling at Albany Medical College. He completed his degree and a residency in internal medicine in 1956, and then took on a fellowship in oncology at Roswell Park Memorial Institute in Buffalo, where he conducted chemotherapy research.

Hosley spent the next seven years ­pursuing research in Albany involving smoking cessation education with the American Cancer Society and the New York State Health Department. His efforts earned him recognition from the committee on tobacco of the state Interagency Council for outstanding leadership and volunteer of the year honors from the American Cancer Society.
In 1969, Hosley entered private ­practice in Castleton, focusing on internal medicine and oncology. He would later become chief of the subdepartment of internal medicine at Albany Memorial Hospital and head physician of East Greenbush and Schodack schools. Although he retired in 1990, he continued his passion for medicine by teaching sophomore students bedside medicine as an assistant professor of medicine and oncology at his alma mater, Albany Medical College.

For many years Hosley was an active member of the East Greenbush Reformed Church choir and the Mendelssohn Club of Albany. He enjoyed bowling and outdoor activities, ranging from hunting to golf. He was a founding member of the Cornwallville Conservation Corp., a 1,000-acre wildlife preserve in Greene County.

When asked about Hamilton’s impact on his life for his 50th reunion yearbook, Hosley summed it up this way: “Know ­thyself! Hamilton taught me my strengths and weaknesses and how to capitalize on the former and compensate for the latter.”

Predeceased by his wife, Leslie Goff Hosley, he is survived by four children, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

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