John F. Hoffer

John F. Hoffer, Jr., 65, of South Heidelberg Township lost his long, hard battle with cancer on February 16th in his home with his devoted wife and daughter by his side. He was married to Maria "Sherri" (Quaglia) Hoffer for 39 years. Born in Reading, PA on August 21,1948, he was the son of the late Frederick and late Flora (Bradshaw) Hoffer. He graduated in 1966 from West Reading High School and went on to become an elevator mechanic spending his early years with Remp Elevator and General Elevator. He then worked for more than 20 years for Reading Elevator Service, purchasing the business in 1995. He retired in February 2013.

John was an avid sports fan particularly of Penn State athletics and the Philadelphia Phillies. He was most importantly known for his honesty and generosity, and contrary to his hard exterior, all of those who knew him well, experienced his soft heart. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, cars, and trap shooting, but most importantly bonding with his friends, always with cocktail a in hand.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his adoring daughter Bridget Hoffer Quaglia; father-in-law Joe Quaglia Sr., Mt. Penn , brother -in-law Joe Quaglia Jr. and wife Ginny, Ocean Isle Beach, NC, nephew Joseph Quaglia, NYC, NY, and Jordan Quaglia, Richmond, VA, his sister Mary (Hoffer) Firth, Castle Rock, CO, and nephew Ryan Firth, Castle Rock, Co. John is also predeceased by his mother -in-law Helen Quaglia and his sister-in-law Beverly (Quaglia) Moyer.

Funeral services will be private. Friends may gather at Third and Spruce Cafe in West Reading on Saturday, February 22nd from 1-4pm to celebrate John's life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Fox Chase Cancer Center 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, Pa 19111-2497; the Humane Society of Berks County; or the Animal Rescue League of Berks County.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com