George C. Hoffner
On May 15, 2016, the East End lost one of its most dedicated fishermen and artists, George C. “Jed” Hoffner, who passed away at the Kanas Center for Hospice Care in Quiogue. He grew up in Stony Brook and was quarterback for the Southside High School football team in Rockville Centre, Class of 1955. He was 78.
Survived by his wife of 56 years, Bonnie Hoffner, whom he met at Alfred University while pursuing a degree in ceramic design, the couple raised three children in their Southold home: Donna Quinn of Lockport, N.Y., Christine Sweeney of Greenwich, Conn., and Erik Hoffner of Ashfield, Mass. Their daughters gave the Hoffners five grandchildren: Ashley and Sarah Quinn, and Brooke, Caroline and Fin Sweeney.
For most of his life Jed stalked East End shorelines at sunrise with a fishing pole (or a camera during the cold months) while working as a salesman for Lipton Tea, Southold Lumber and Penny Lumber, before driving for Sunrise Coach Lines. A true nature lover, he was known to stop his vehicle to help a turtle cross the road. The tides were his timepiece and he instilled in his kids a deep respect for nature and a love of the outdoors, teaching them how to fill the family’s refrigerator with clams, fish, mussels, oysters and crabs from the local creeks and beaches in every season.
Hoffner was a captain for the U.S. Army Reserves during the 1960s, a volunteer firefighter in Eatons Neck, N.Y., and was also a proud Swede and Yankees fan. He expressed his favorite outdoor interests and scenes via ambitious woodcarvings, beautifully composed photos, and exuberant watercolors, which he delighted in giving away to friends, family and local businesses. A painting of oysters can be seen in the Southold Fish Market foyer.
A service will be held for him at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 2, at the First Presbyterian Church columbarium in Southold.
Memorial donations in his name can be sent to the North Fork Audubon Center or East End Hospice.
Arrangements were entrusted to DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Homes.
This is a paid notice.
