Robert Conn Hofer

Robert Conn Hofer, 92, of Butler passed away on August 15 after an extended illness.

Born January 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 Lt.

He was awarded the Air Medal with 5 oak leaf clusters and various campaign ribbons. He

attended Westminster College following his military service and graduated with a Bachelor of

Business Administration degree and was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity.

Robert married the late Janet Maxine Hofer on November 12, 1951 in Butler, where they made

their home. He worked for the Pullman Standard Car Company 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 (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 PA Conservancy, and 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 Corp crew, antiquing, bridge and entertaining

family and friends.

Robert is survived by a 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, as well as their families, of Butler. Bob was preceded in death by his

sister, Lenore Hofer, a brother-in-law Robert Masters and a sister-in-law, Sally Masters.

Bob will be remembered as 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.

Friends will be received at the Geibel Funeral Home, 201 East Cunningham Street, Butler, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Paul Roman Catholic Church, 128 North McKean Street, Butler. The Rev. Harry Bielewicz, Pastor, will officiate. Internment will follow in Greenlawn Burial Estates, Mount Chestnut.

St. Pauls 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, Butler

County Symphony or the Butler Little Threatre.

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