Howard D. Hoffman Jr.

Hoffman, Howard D. Jr. CLIFTON PARK Howard D. Hoffman Jr., 89, of Clifton Park died on October 4, 2013 at the Stratton V.A. Medical Center in Albany due to complications from kidney cancer. Howard was born on September 13, 1924 to the late Howard D. Hoffman Sr. and Mary Ryan Hoffman. He is survived by his wife, Bowdry Jeanne Hoffman; his three sons, Bruce (Suzanne), Gary (Cyndi) and Michael (Susana); three grandchildren, Heather Straughter (Brian), Brendan Hoffman (Elizabeth), Jason Hoffman and a great-grandson, Ethan Straughter. He is also survived by three stepchildren, Robert Briggs (Colleen), William Briggs (Kristen) and their children Reaghan, Keenan and Colleen and Corinne Seeds (Robert) and their children, Jamison, Jack, and Anna. Other survivors include his brother, John F. Hoffman; his sisters, Jean Hoffman, Mary Moore, Patricia Matthews, Carol Vogt, Joan Grady and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother Charles; his brother, Edward; his first wife, Doris; and his great-grandson, Jake Straughter. Howard was a proud veteran of World War II, enlisting at age 18 in the Navy and serving for four years on a destroyer escort, the USS Osterhaus in the Pacific. He endured many battles in the Pacific and his ship and shipmates all survived Halsey's Typhoon. He was one of the few remaining crew members from the Osterhaus and participated in regular reunions until his recent illness. He often visited the USS Slater, docked in Albany, which is the only remaining destroyer escort afloat in the United States today. He enjoyed pointing out the crew's quarters and telling stories of his adventures during the War. He was able to visit the World War II monument in Washington, D.C. which was built under the supervision of his son Bruce, with the Gilbane Building Co. A busy local businessman, he co-founded County Excavation Inc., in 1955 along with his brother John Hoffman, and his father. Subsequently, he was a founding partner in Turf Hotels, Inc. with his brother John and later his son Michael. With his late wife Doris, who was also a World War II veteran, he ran an archery shop in Menands. In addition to being a businessman, he was also a wonderful handyman and could fix anything, from diesel motors to small and large appliances. He was a skilled electrician, plumber, carpenter and mechanic. His son Gary inherited those skills. Howard was a champion archer and an avid golfer. He was a longtime member of Wolfert's Roost in Albany and Naples Beach Club in Naples, Fla. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at the Bowen & Parker Bros. Funeral Home, 97 Old Loudon Road in Latham with burial to follow at Albany Rural Cemetery. Viewing will be Tuesday, October 8, 2013 from 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Howard's name to help restore the USS Slater, may be made to the Destroyer Escort Historical Museum, Broadway and Quay, Albany, NY 12202. Condolence book at bowenandparkerbros.com.