Robert John Hofmiller

Robert John Hofmiller, aged 78 of Fairfield entered into rest with his family by his side on Wednesday, September 19th, 2018 at Bridgeport Hospital. He was born on December 12th, 1939 as the third child of Raymond and Helen Dorothy Granitin Hofmiller of Bridgeport, where he spent his early life and later settled in Fairfield. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 56 years, Elaine Lindwall Hofmiller, daughter, Susan Hofmiller Becraft and her husband Joel of Fairfield and their children, Daniel, Bryan, Victoria, Thomas and Melanie, his son, Robert John II and his wife Cheryl of Oxford and their children, Robert James and Shannon, son James Velgot and his wife Christina of Stratford, and brother, Joseph Hofmiller of Milford and one great grandson, Jackson Noah, who was the love of his life and partner in crime.


He was predeceased by both of his parents, his eldest sibling, Jane and brothers Raymond and Matthew. "Big Bob", as he was affectionately known, was gregarious, warm and inviting to everyone he met. He was always willing to offer advice or quick with a prank or joke and always with the brightest smile.


He attended Warren Harding High School and left to join the Marines where he proudly served his country and following his return, soon met the woman who became the great love of his life. Bob and Elaine were married in September 1962 and started their family the year later. In 1982, Bob and Elaine with their children, Sue and Bobby expanded their family once more with the inclusion of James Velgot, who became another son.


Bob spent the majority of his professional career as an oil technician and service manager for several companies but the most notable of which was Santa Fuel, for whom he was employed for 25 years before proudly retiring. He once told Jackson Noah, when he asked what hd did for Santa, that he was an elf at the North Pole! Post-retirement, he could often be found among his old colleagues, drinking coffee with cream and no sugar, catching up.


Bob's example of determination and dedication made an impression on Bobby and Jimmy, both of whom became oil technicians themselves. Further down the line, Bobby's son also joined the industry and with this, created three generations of hardworking oilmen, something of which Bob was intensely proud.


He was known to swing a mean bat and at every turn, he hit the ball right out of the park, much to the dismay of his friends on the other team and delight of his teammates. He was an avid bowler and member of the "300 Club", and like a true Hofmiller, played Horseshoes like a pro with his usual partner, his brother Raymond. He felt truly at ease when on the water with his boat, the Elaine M., this was the start of his long love affair with the seafaring life. Some of his grandchildren's best memories are when they were riding along with him, headed down to the marina early on a Saturday morning. He also loved spending time at Captain's Cove and participated in numerous bluefish tournaments, the commemorative shirts he got there were among his favorites! Bob was also a proud member of the Port 5 for many years.


He never met a stranger and had a natural charm and gentle demeanor that made him easy to talk to and loved by all. He adored the new and exciting and had a long-running friendly competition with his late neighbor, Don Stockman, over who had the best toys and according to Pop, he always won! It should be noted that despite his habits, as soon as something newer, faster or better came out, he'd turn his attention and the game was again afoot!


The birth of his first grandchild was the start of an entirely new adventure! He was the quintessential "proud papa". There were never enough treats to share, mountains to climb or chandeliers to swing from and he loved them all deeply and evenly. Every school event he was able to attend, each graduation or life milestone was a cause for celebration and Pop made sure they all felt special. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, colleague and trusted friend.


Most importantly, he was a fun-loving, consummate family man who treasured his wife, children, grandchildren and held a very special connection with his great-grandson. Jackson and Pop were "breakfast buddies" who would get together each morning and Jackson would help make his coffee, get a croissant and hop over to the chairside table where Pop would watch his favorite shows with him. He knew all of the songs. Anybody who witnessed this interaction knows that this is the most definitive example of the grandfather and great-grandfather we all know and will greatly miss.


Bob and Elaine together showed those who knew them what it is like to regard life's challenges not as insurmountable, but inadequate. They triumphed over their difficulties, struggled when necessary, cried when called for and loved as hard as they could and in the end, they set the paradigm of what a successful marriage is.


On a final note and to paraphrase his favorite singer, Frank Sinatra, Bob would have told you that in the end, he did it ‘My Way'.


Friends may call on Sunday, September 23rd 2018 from 3-7PM at the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 S. Benson Rd., Fairfield, CT. A mass of Christian burial will take place on Monday, September 24th 2018 at 10AM at Assumption Church, 545 Stratfield Rd., Fairfield, CT with interment following immediately at Lawncroft Cemetery, 1740 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, CT. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, www.michaeljfox.org