Lewisburg-Donald Bernard Hoffman. 80, passed away Friday, Feb. 21, 2014, at his home in Lewisburg very peacefully. He had a long and valiant battle with leukemia and complications.
Don was born June 30, 1933, in New York City, NY, the only child of Bernard and Virginia Hoffman.
He was a graduate of Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute, now Polytechnic Institute of New York with a masters degree from their engineering school.
Don was discharged honorably as a 1st Lt. in the Army Corps of Engineers, after serving in Korea.
He enjoyed a successful career in engineering and management in both the aerospace and defense industries in California. He developed the antenna that brought pictures back from the LEM on the moon. His antenna is on display in the Smithsonian Aerospace Museum. He and his wife also owned a real estate company in Los Gatos, CA, before moving to West Virginia. Don and his wife moved to West Virginia in 1985 and purchased Greenbrier Limousine Service. Don lived in West Virginia for 29 years and enjoyed every minute of it.
Boating and cruising were Don’s passion. He especially enjoyed the long cruises taking his boat from the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland down to the West Coast of Florida.
Don was a member of Old Stone Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder. He was a member of Lewisburg Elks and former member of Lewisburg Rotary and Los Gatos Kiwanis. Don belonged to Gulf Harbor Yacht Club and Royal Palm Yacht Club in Fort Myers, FL. He was on the CATS Board of Directors in Los Gatos, CA, and the San Jose Symphony Board of Directors.
He leaves behind a loving, caring number of family and friends that made his life a delight. Survivors include: his wife of 40 years. Barbara (Bobbi) Lynch Hoffman; son, James Gallagher (Alethea); daughter, Teresa Warner (Kenneth); and grandchildren, Christine Alsobrook, Steven Alsobrook, Brian Gallagher, Justin and Derrick Meadows; and his beloved dog, Dusty.
Don and his family have received such loving care from so many sources and want to thank them all. Dr. Jennifer Cornelius and her staff at Robert C. Byrd, Dr. Patrick Ryan and the entire staff at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center. Hospice and many caregivers, and all members of Old Stone Presbyterian Church, as well as many friends.
Don asked that his body be donated to the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, where his grandson, Steven, is a third year student.
There was be a memorial celebration of Don’s life at Old Stone Presbyterian Church Friday, Feb. 28 where Rev. Dexter Taylor officiated.
A light luncheon followed in Fellowship Hall.
Don has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Hospice, Old Stone Presbyterian Church or the charity of your choice.
Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg is in charge of arrangements.
Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com.