Dave Hogue -  a man with a melodious voice, piercing blue eyes, and a great smile - died on November 4, 2025, at his home in Santa Ana with his devoted wife of 41 years by his side.

Dave was born in Yuba City on March 15, 1953, and lived in Santa Ana for a short time before moving to Vista, where he spent most of his childhood and adolescent years. Dave was a talented scholar who not only played the trumpet and guitar but also ran on his high school cross country team.

If they had a golf team, Dave probably would have been the star player.

 

Dave had a successful 50-year career in the electrical industry in Southern California that blossomed after a chance conversation with a man who said he knew of an electric wholesale company opening in Carson.

The next day, Dave drove up to Carson in his best outfit and shoulder-length hair. He was greeted by the owner, who said in a brusque Boston accent, “Whaddya want?” Dave introduced himself and said he needed a job. His future boss told him he could have a job, but that first he needed to get a haircut.

And his career was launched. Dave started at Royal Wholesale as a truck driver and was quickly promoted to inside sales. When his boss sold that company to open Curley Wholesale in Santa Ana, Dave followed and was asked by his boss if he owned a suit. Dave said no. He was told to go buy one because he was being promoted to outside sales and “he needed to look sharp.”

Dave excelled in this role from 1981-2000. He loved his job and made life-long friends with colleagues and customers alike. In addition to his full-time sales job, he maintained his own at-home business, TCH Engraving, that kept him busy seven days a week at all hours.

He did make time for travel, especially when it included golfing. He loved to challenge his competitive wife to a round or two. They enjoyed courses close to home and as far away as Hilton Head and Maui.

Dave is survived by his wife of 41 years, Therese Curley Hogue; his daughter Sarah Sander and son-in-law Mike Sander of Torrance CA; grandchildren Destrie, Sadie Mae, Colton and Todd; his mother Doris Hogue; his sisters Shelly and Cheryl; his brother Kevin; several Hogue nieces and nephews; Curley family members from California to  Massachusetts and many places in between.

Dave loved spending time with family and friends. He was always willing to host the parties even while working two jobs. If he didn’t greet you at the front door with his standard, “Wanna beer?”, it just meant he was in the back room engraving, but he’d be out soon enough to join the celebration.

 And may the celebration continue. As Dave would say, “See ya at the 19th hole.”

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph Church

727 Minter St., Santa Ana 

Friday, November 14, 2025 

2:00 pm.