Donald B. Hofmar, war veteran, business leader

Donald B. Hofmar, 77, of Amherst, a Korean War veteran and longtime senior contractor for Thomas Register of American Manufacturers, died Sunday, Sept. 3, 2006, in Lake of Bays, Ont.

Mr. Hofmar retired last year after 50 years with Thomas Register of American Manufacturers. He brought the business into eastern Canada and helped to foster the growth of many local industrial businesses.

Mr. Hofmar was highly regarded for his expertise in industrial advertising and marketing. He also had served on the boards of directors of several companies, including Glar-Ban, Taylor Devices, and Niagara Technologies.

Born in Buffalo, Mr. Hofmar was a graduate of Technical High School. There, he played football and was a member of the swimming and track and field teams. He also was the concertmaster for the Buffalo Public School Orchestra.

Mr. Hofmar served in the Army during the Korean War.

He was a graduate of the University at Buffalo, where he was an active member of Theta Chi fraternity and participated in intercollegiate football. He remained an active supporter of athletics programs, including football and basketball, at the university.

A co-founder of the Athletic Hall of Fame at UB, Mr. Hofmar also was an inductee in 1993. He also supported the rare books and poetry department at UB.

Mr. Hofmar's philanthropic endeavors included serving as a member of the board of directors of Calasanctius Preparatory School, St. John Lutheran Orphan Home, St. Gustavious Aldophus Home, Sheehan Memorial Hospital and the church council of Parkside Lutheran Church.

He was member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and a longtime member of the Country Club of Buffalo, National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Rolls Royce Club, Antique Boat Collectors Association, and the National Rifle Association.

Mr. Hofmar, a member of the Amherst Conservative Party, was long active in Amherst politics and served as a member of the town's Board of Ethics for many years.

Mr. Hofmar is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, the former Joyce Campbell; and two daughters, Laura A. and Gail E.

A memorial service was held Saturday, Sept. 9 in Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

Arrangements were made by Dietrich Funeral Home.