Robert Conn Hofer
Robert Conn Hofer, 92, of Butler passed away Monday after an extended illness.
Born Jan. 29, 1924, in Middletown, Ohio, he was the son of the late William Henry Hofer and Margrett Conn Hofer.
Robert was a 1941 graduate of Butler High School.
He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II as a navigator on a B-24 Liberator in the South Pacific with the rank of second lieutenant. He was awarded the Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters and various campaign ribbons.
He attended Westminster College following his military service and graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration. He was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity.
Robert married the late Janet Maxine Hofer on Nov. 12, 1951, in Butler, where they made their home. He worked for the Pullman-Standard Car Co. as a buyer for 32 years.
He was an active member of St. Paul Roman Catholic Church in Butler and a former active member of St. Conrad Roman Catholic Church, which is now St. Fidelis Parish, in Meridian.
Robert was a life member of the NRA, the Butler Hunting and Fishing Club, and an avid competitive rifle and pistol shooter. He was a member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and the Butler County Historical Society. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, canoeing and motorcycle riding. He and Janet enjoyed the theater and symphony, traveling with his Air Corps crew, antiquing, bridge, and entertaining family and friends.
Robert is survived by his son, Bradley Hofer of Butler; two daughters, Leslie Hofer of Meadville and Kristin Bearer and her husband, Thomas, of Butler; two granddaughters, Caitlin Sub and her husband, Travis, of Butler and Erin Gildea of Pittsburgh; one great-granddaughter, Reegan Sub; and two nieces and their families, all of Butler.
Bob was preceded in death by his sister, Lenore Hofer; his brother-in-law, Robert Masters; and his sister-in-law, Sally Masters.
Bob will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and loyal friend. He was hardworking, honest, patriotic and gentle. He was our “Fearless Leader.”
Special thanks to his caretakers for their service, support and love throughout his journey.
HOFER — Friends of Robert Conn Hofer, who died Monday, Aug. 15, 2016, will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Geibel Funeral Home, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler.A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Paul Roman Catholic Church, 128 N. McKean St., Butler. The Rev. Harry Bielewicz, pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow at the Greenlawn Burial Estates, Mount Chestnut.St. Paul's Catholic Women and Christian Mothers will meet at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church to recite the rosary.In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Butler County Historical Society, the Butler County Symphony or the Butler Little Theatre.For more information, go to www.youngfuneralhomes.com.
