Robert Hoffman - Obituary

obert William Hoffman, 70, of Edgewater, MD and Henderson Harbor, NY, died November 5, 2007, of lung disease. Born April 20, 1937, in Rochester, NY, Mr. Hoffman was the son of Constance Turner and Robert Bertram Hoffman who predeceased him. As a young man, Mr. Hoffman moved to Brazil, with his family and attended the American School in Rio de Janeiro. He graduated from the Stony Brook School on Long Island, NY. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Rochester, where he was a member of Theta Delta Chi fraternity. He pursued post graduate studies in California. For a period of time, he served in the Army where he was a member of the Signal Corps. In the 1960s after serving in the Army, he resided in Pittsford, NY where he started and ran the Pittsford Picture Framing Company with partner Joe Willard; and, established one of the first copy centers in the United States, coining the phrase, “Copy While You Wait”. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Mr. Hoffman cruised extensively in his own sailboat. He also enjoyed a career as first crew, then captain of several private sailing yachts, traveling throughout the Caribbean and across the Atlantic. Mr. Hoffman settled in Annapolis where he became a partner in Dockside Yacht Sales, located in the building now housing Storm Brothers Ice Cream. In 1973, with partner Clarence Blackwell, he purchased part of the historic Trumpy Yacht Yard in Eastport. Jointly, they developed the property into Yacht Haven of Annapolis. At the time of his death, Mr. Hoffman was actively engaged with the daily running of Yacht Haven, and was considered an icon in the marine business world. In addition to Yacht Haven, Mr. Hoffman's other business interests included: partner in Shades Unlimited of Annapolis, Virginia Beach, VA and Dewey Beach, DE; Sweet Mama's Chicken in Dewey Beach, DE; Gratitude Marina in Rock Hall, MD; Sharp's Island, Inc. which designed, built, and sold Sharps Island 32 motor yachts; President Yachts, LLC, importing President motor yachts; and Shady Side LLC, of Shade Side, MD. He was well known as a partner in the syndicate which bought, refurbished, owned, and operated the 12 meter racing yacht American Eagle, US 12-21. A member of Annapolis Yacht Club and Henderson Harbor Yacht Club, NY, Mr. Hoffman also was a former board member of the SPCA, and Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts. He was a member of the Marine Trades Association, and Eastport Business Association. Additionally, he volunteered as a tutor with the literacy program at Green Street Elementary School in Annapolis. Mr. Hoffman was an avid sailor, voracious reader, enjoyed shooting sports, gardening, travel, and working at his farm. He had a great fondness for pets, especially his dogs being known for his dogs of great personality. He was an art lover and supporter of the arts. His greatest joy was spending time with his children and grandchildren. Surviving are his wife, Mary Marburger Hoffman; two sons, Robert Grey Hoffman and Daniel Burton Hoffman both of the home; two daughters from his first marriage, Heather Ronaldshay of North Yorkshire, England, and Jessica Zambeletti of London, England; six grandchildren; a brother, Philip Hoffman of Tequesta, FL and Henderson Harbor, NY; two sisters, Constance MacDougall and Martha Bouculat, both of Annapolis. A funeral service will be held Friday, November 9, 10:00 a.m., at Holy Family Catholic Church, Davidsonville, MD. Interment will be private. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA, 1815 Bay Ridge Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403, or Henderson Harbor Water Sports Programs, P.O. Box 405, Henderson Harbor, NY 13651. Arrangements by George P. Kalas Funeral Home, Edgewater, MD. Online condolences may be made at: kalasfuneralhomes.com.