On May 15, 2016, the East End lost one of its most dedicated fishermen and artists, George ‘Jed’ C. Hoffner, who passed away at the Kanas Center for Hospice Care in Southampton. He was 78.
He grew up in Stony Brook and was the quarterback for the Southside High School football team in Rockville Centre (class of 1955).
Hoffner was a captain in the U.S. Army Reserves during the 1960s and a volunteer firefighter in Eatons Neck.
He worked as a salesman for Lipton Tea, Southold Lumber, and Penny Lumber, before driving for Sunrise Coach Lines. He was also a proud Swede and Yankee 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. His painting of oysters can be seen in the Southold Fish Market foyer.
For most of his life, Jed stalked East End shorelines at sunrise with a fishing pole (or a camera during the cold months) 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.
He is 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, NY, Christine Sweeney of Greenwich, CT, and Erik Hoffner of Ashfield, MA. Their daughters gave the Hoffners five grandchildren (Ashley and Sarah Quinn, and Brooke, Caroline, and Fin Sweeney).
A service will be held for him on July 2 at the First Presbyterian Church Columbarium in Southold at 11 a.m.
Memorial donations, in his name, can be sent to the North Fork Audubon Center or East End Hospice.
Arrangements entrusted to DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Homes.
