Harold Hoffer

1922 - 2016

Harold Hal' Hoffer January 21, 1922 - October 4, 2016 La Mesa A leading light has gone out in our lives: Harold Hoffer passed away on Oct. 4, 2016 at 94. He was born on January 21, 1922, in New York City, to Samuel Hoffer and Molly Peltz Hoffer. As a boy in Brooklyn he learned to love science, languages, football, and humor. These four passions remained with him through his career while he served as a naval officer, engineer, and attorney. Hoffer received a B.S. in Engineering and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1944 as a member of the Class of 1945. He served as a navigator, captain, and certified translator. He also played football for Navy with a passion. His tours of duty were in the Pacific during WW II and Korea. After earning the WWII Victory Medal, he left the Navy's Amphibious Unit in Coronado. Nearby, Hoffer began his civilian career. Then he met and married Barbara D. Solomon and they had two sons. After founding Hoffer Engineering, Inc., he also served as President of the S.D. Chapter of the Calif. Soc. of Pro. Engineers, 1966 - 67. His peers still praise his precision-built overhead cranes that fully operate.He also studied law and, after his divorce, earned a J.D. in 1976 from the University of San Diego. That year, he married his beloved wife Barbara S. Davis, nee Schatz. His legal advice was sought time and time again for over 35 years. While family came first for him, he offered stewardship, levity, and affection to all. Although equally versed in Yiddish, he often bestowed his favorite old Mexican blessing: "Salud, Amor, Dinero y Tiempo Para Gozarlos."To celebrate his life, a brief memorial will be at Miramar National Cemetery, on October 28, at 9:30 a.m. He is survived by his wife Barbara S. Hoffer of 40 years, his sons, Rick Hoffer (and Anne Gordon, his wife), and Steven Hoffer (and Linda Nero). And also by his adored stepchildren Howard Davis (and Sharie Davis, his wife) and Liz Davis, and his sister Rhoda Gordon (and Bob Gordon). Hal also will be missed deeply by his grandchildren: Rick's children Lara A. Hoffer and Benjamin A. Hoffer, Liz's sons Andrew (Dottie Hernandez) and Brian, and Howard's daughter Andrea, as well as by great-grandchildren (Kaden, Nathan, Joshua and Reed), and by his nieces and nephews, and extended family. Hal was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all.