Richard "Dick" Hofacker

Richard "Dick" Hofacker, 83, departed this world surrounded by his loving family on August 25, 2009.

He was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, Velda and Edwin "Eddie Atlas" Hofacker; sister, Marjorie; special cousin, Clifford Ziegler; sisters-in-law, Rose Gaone and Evelyn Moirano; and brothers-in-law, Chris Gaone and Joe Moirano. Broken-hearted by their loss, Dick will be greatly missed by his best friend and devoted wife of 52 years, Matilda "Tillie" and his loving children: son, Richard (Beth), and their children Brandon, 14, Nicholas, 12, Joshua, 8, and Michele, 5; daughter Velda (James Carr), and their children Andy and Jenny Carr; and son, David (Lisa), and their children, Evan, 13, Justin, 11 and Julia, 7. His loss is felt by all, including his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, John Moirano, Mary and Jim Procaccio, Margaret Moirano, and Eugene and Patricia Moirano; special great-nieces, Corinne Cowling, and Carly and Cassie Morrison; and many other nieces and nephews, family, and friends.

Dick was born in Akron, Ohio on June 15, 1926, and was proud of his heritage. He attended Mason School and Central High School before entering the University of Akron, where he received his degree in Electrical Engineering in 1948. He worked for Ohio Edison before beginning a 41-year career at Novatny Electric Company where he served as a Vice-president. After retiring, he worked part-time for PFK Industries until 2000, when he became afflicted with Alzheimer's disease.

Dick was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha, the Ohio Society of Professional Engineers, and a past-President of the Builder's Exchange. Dick's two passions in life were his family and golf. He never met a golf course he didn't like. He loved telling stories about his grandchildren while playing golf. Thanks to his loyal friends at Fairlawn Country Club, Dick was able to continue golfing at FCC even after he could no longer drive. Despite his Alzheimer's he was able to golf with his friends, sons, and grandsons even during the last year of his life.

Many thanks to all those who have cared for Dick during his struggle with Alzheimer's, especially the entire staff at Lorantffy Care Center, who did all they could to make him feel at home. Thanks also to the staff at Akron General Medical Center, especially those in the ER and on the 5th and 8th floors who treated Dick with kindness and understanding. We appreciate the doctors who compassionately accepted the challenge of treating a patient who was unable to cooperate and communicate, especially Dr. Phillips, Dr. Bologna, Dr. Schaal, Dr. Franks, and Dr. Duggal. Special thanks to Rev. Norm Douglas, Rev. Bob Clancy, and Sr. Beatrice Fitzgerald for their visits, prayers, and friendship.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2009, at 11 a.m. at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 44 University Ave., with Fr. Norm Douglas officiating. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Eckard Baldwin Funeral Home and Chapel, 760 E. Market St., from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, August 28th.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 1815 West Market St., Suite 301, Akron, OH 44313; Lorantffy Care Center, 2631 Copley Rd., Akron, OH 44321; St. Bernard Church, 44 University Ave., Akron, OH 44309; Summa Palliative and Hospice Care, 444 N. Main St., Akron, OH 44310, or a charity of your choice.