George Roland "Ronnie" Hoffmaster

HOFFMASTER
GEORGE ROLAND "RONNIE"
On Monday, July 11, 2005, a lifelong resident of the Sewickley area, died peacefully after a long illness. Mr. Hoffmaster was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Anna Margaret (Merriman); son, George R. Hoffmaster, II; four brothers and three sisters. He is survived by Kathleen Lynch and son-in-law, Mark and Amy Haessler and son-in-law, Richard; and grandchildren, George R. Hoffmaster, III, his wife, Amy, and great-grandson, Nathanial R., Kurt A. Hoffmaster, Andrew P. Lynch, Kevin R. Lynch, Kimberly M. Clifton, Matthew D. Hoffmaster and Kristen M. Hoffmaster. Ronnie, as he was known by his friends, was a 1940 graduate of Leetsdale High School. An all-around athlete who lettered in several sports, as a student Mr. Hoffmaster helped organize the Leetsdale High golf team. He was also elected and served as president of his senior class. Mr. Hoffmaster joined The Boilermakers Union #154 and was employed as a welder at Pittsburgh DeMoines Steel Company in Pittsburgh from 1941 to 1943. In 1944 he enlisted in the United States Army and completed his basic training at the Army's engine mechanic school in Amarillo, TX, and preflight in training in San Antonio, TX. During this time he was responsible for the management of the war information center. He was honorably discharged from the service in 1945. Returning to western Pennsylvania, Mr. Hoffmaster resumed his career as a Boilermaker. Recognized by his peers for his leadership skills and integrity, he became a leading figure in the trade unions in western Pennsylvania, and in 1956 he was elected business manager of The Boilermakers Union #154. As business manager Mr. Hoffmaster helped to inaugurate the Union's national pension plan, and served in a number of key positions including secretary of the Northeastern Area Apprenticeship Fund a member of the Law Committee at several conventions, and as a representative at large of the National Building Trades Council. Mr. Hoffmaster resigned as business manager in 1961 to pursue a career as a financial advisor and investment counselor. In 1962, after earning his broker's license, he helped to establish the Pittsburgh office of brokerage firm Bache & Company. During his career in investment counseling Mr. Hoffmaster was responsible for managing the pension portfolios for several of the major trade unions in the Pittsburgh area. He also held senior positions at Arthurs LeStrange and Merrill Lynch. Mr. Hoffmaster retired from a successful career in 1989. An avid golfer, Mr. Hoffmaster was a charter member of Sewickley Heights Golf Club, and also held memberships at Seven Oaks Country Club and Beaver Lakes Country Club. He won the club championship at Sewickley Heights Golf Club in 1965. Friends will be received at COPELANDS SEWICKLEY, 702 Beaver St. on Wednesday, July 13 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at St. James Roman Catholic Church, Sewickley, on Thursday, July 14 at 10am. The family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Little Sisters of the Poor (Pittsburgh, PA) or Central Catholic High School.
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