John R. Hoffay

John R. Hoffay, 65

West Sand Lake - John R. Hoffay, 65, from West Sand Lake died peacefully on May 14, 2014 in Northampton, Massachusetts. Born August 23, 1948 in Troy, NY, he was the son of Cora Bonesteel Hoffay of Wynantskill and the late Richard W. Hoffay and the twin brother of Robert D. Hoffay of West Sand Lake. John was also brother to William H. Hoffay of West Sand Lake, Martha Hoffay Plante of Walnut Creek, California and the late Anna Hoffay Gaylord of Delanson, NY. In addition to his mother, brothers and sister, he is survived by several nieces and nephews.

John was raised on the family farm in West Sand Lake and graduated from Averill Park High School in 1966. He attended Trinity Lutheran Church and Sunday School where he served as an acolyte. He was a member of the Sod Busters 4-H club and showed cattle at the Schaghticoke Fair. Following high school John entered the US Navy and served in Vietnam between 1967 and 1968 with the Mobile Construction Battalion #74 (Seabees) as a Petty Officer Third Class.

While in Vietnam John dreamed of taking over the family farm and upon his return home began working alongside his father. All of John's dreams and future plans came to an abrupt halt on April 14, 1969 when his car crashed and he suffered a major brain injury. He made some recovery but lived the remainder of his life battling severe physical disabilities. Despite his limitations, John's mind, quick wit and sense of humor never left him. For the last 38 years John's home has been the VA Hospital in Northampton, Massachusetts where he received extraordinary care and love from an outstanding staff of dedicated healthcare professionals who became John's extended family.

Services will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Route 150, West Sand Lake. There will be a calling hour beginning at 10:00 with a funeral service following at 11:00. Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery, West Sand Lake.

The family requests no flowers but if friends or relatives so desire, they suggest that donations be made to the Community Living Center c/o Voluntary Services, Northampton Veterans Administration Hospital, 421 N. Main St., Leeds, Massachusetts 01053.

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