Robert Conn Hofer
January 29, 1924 ~ August 15, 2016 (age 92) 92 Years OldShare using:
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.