John W. Hoffer Sr.

John Webster Hoffer, 90, of Danbury, died unexpectedly at Danbury Hospital on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011. John was the former President of the Danbury Hospital Development Fund and President of Viking Wire Company, Inc., in Danbury. He was born November 18, 1921 in New Rochelle, N.Y., a son of John Earl and Edith Webster Hoffer. Raised in New Rochelle, he graduated from New Rochelle High School, and then from Colgate University in 1944 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. John proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II as an Air Force cadet and later served with the 97th Infantry in the American and European theaters.

On September 11, 1948 John married Patricia L. Miller in New Rochelle, NY. In 1959 the couple moved to West Terrace, Danbury, CT, where they raised their children, and John lived until his passing. John was committed to giving back to the community, a value he instilled in his family. There was nothing more important to John than his family; his love and wisdom will be sorely missed by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed taking long drives on weekends in search of the best hotdog stands. John often shared his love of New England and childhood memories of his summers spent in Warner, New Hampshire. He enjoyed summer night trips to Marcus Dairy for ice cream with his children and their friends and boating on Candlewood Lake. He will be especially missed by “The Girls”, Shirley, Susie and Deb from the Danbury Hospital Development Fund and his extended family at Chuck’s Steak House in Danbury, where he regularly dined. For more than 50 years, he volunteered his time and energy at Danbury Hospital. In addition, John served as former President of the Danbury Public Library and past President of the Danbury Chamber of Commerce, from whom he received the 1980 Abraham Ribicoff Award. He was a past President of the Board of Directors of the Savings Bank of Danbury, a former director of the Connecticut Business and Industrial Association (CBIA). He also served as a trustee of the United Way of Northern Fairfield County, Blood Services Committee Chairman of the American Red Cross and belonged to the Ridgewood Country Club for over 50 years.

John is survived by his son, John W. Hoffer, Jr. and wife Kerri of Roxbury; and daughter Peggy H. Stewart and husband Craig of Danbury; a brother Douglas Hoffer of Florida; three grandchildren: Jayna Larkin and her husband Aaron of New Milford, Ali Hoffer of New York City, and John Hoffer III of Roxbury; three great grandchildren: Andrew, Alex and Madison Larkin; and two nephews, Doug and Jimmy Hoffer. He is predeceased by his parents; his wife, Patricia Hoffer; son, Gary Hoffer; daughter-in-law, Christine M. Hoffer; and grandson, Peter M. Stewart.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, Nov. 28, 2011 at 10:30am at St. Peter Church, Danbury, with the Rev. Gregg Mecca, Pastor, officiating. Burial will be in St. Peter Cemetery, Danbury at the convenience of the family. Friends will be received on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011 from 1pm to 5pm at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in John’s name may be made to the Peter M. Stewart Memorial Scholarship in care of Western Connecticut State University Foundation, Office of Institutional Advancement, 181 White St., Danbury, Conn. 06810, or any charitable organization.