The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Walter H. Hoffman

By

Stephentown – Walter Harry Hoffman, 77, of NY Route 43, Stephentown, NY, died on Wednesday, July 18, 2012, at his residence after a courageous battle with cancer with his loving family by his side and under the care of Community Hospice of Rensselaer County.
Born June 19, 1935, in Hoosick Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Walter Bernard Hoffman and Flora Lillian Downing. He was educated in Hoosick Falls and joined the National Guard at the age of 18, serving six years. He was also a member of the Hoosick Falls Fire Department while living there.
Walter was employed at the Nancy Shoe factory in Hoosick Falls when he met the love of his life, Stella Sweener. They were married at St. Joseph’s Church in Stephentown on April 25, 1959. They celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2009. Walter enjoyed roller skating when he was younger and in later years took pleasure in creating woodworking gifts for his loved ones. His work history included Nancy Shoe, Larabee Fuel, Avery Tractor/Samson, Ulysses Sweener Carpentry and the Carpenter’s Union Local #78. He worked at Zwack, Inc. in Stephentown as a machine operator until his retirement in 2009 after 30 years of service.
Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years, Stella, his daughters, Janice and husband Lloyd Hartnett of Stephentown and Kathleen and husband John Klein of Pittsfield, MA, a sister, Linda K. Sweener of Stephentown, four grandchildren, Nadina Hartnett, Rebecca Lane, Crystal Soncini and John Klein Jr., and two great-grandchildren, Codie Lane and Nolan Messenger. Walter is pre-deceased, besides his parents, by two sisters, Lois M Springer and Pamela Sands.
A Liturgy of Christian Death and Burial was celebrated by family friend Rev. John Close on Monday, July 23, at 11 am in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 732 US 20, New Lebanon, NY. Cremation followed.
Relatives and friends were invited to visitation at the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home, 457 NY 43, Stephentown, on Sunday, July 22, from 3 to 6 pm.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Walter Harry Hoffman may be made to the Community Hospice of Rensselaer County, 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, NY, 12144.