John W. Hoffer Jr.

Born February 1, 1950, in New Rochelle, New York, John was the son of John W. Hoffer and Patricia (Miller) Hoffer. He moved to Danbury with his family in 1959 and grew up on West Terrace, forming lifelong friendships and memories, including many cherished summers on Candlewood Lake. He graduated from Danbury High School in 1968 and went on to graduate from New England College in 1974.

John was most at home outdoors. He loved running, skiing, and biking, whether on Block Island, around Lake Waramaug, out west, or in Vermont.

After marrying Christy McLean in 1976, John settled in Roxbury, Connecticut, where he founded Nature Shaper, LLC, a landscape design and maintenance company. Known affectionately as “Natch” because of his love of nature and the outdoors, he took great pride in his work, which remains visible throughout the community—a lasting reminder of his craft. He valued just as deeply the bonds he formed with his crew, who became like family.

John was warm, welcoming, and quietly resilient—known as the light of the room, with an easy, genuine manner and a determination to live life fully.

Family was at the center of John’s world. After the loss of his late wife in 1997, his life continued with love and joy. In 2005, he married his wife, Keri, and together they built a blended family rooted in unconditional love, laughter, and adventure, sharing memories that included travel, golf, Block Island, St. Martin, and many winters spent at Stratton.

In addition to his wife of twenty years, John is survived by his children, Ali Hoffer; John W. Hoffer III and his wife, Kelly; stepdaughter Brittany Harasymiak and her husband, Joe, and their daughters, Sophie and Ellie; and stepson Jonathan “JT” Taylor and his wife, Kelsey, and their children, Hudson and Avery. He is also survived by his sister, Peggy Stewart, and his brother-in-law, Craig Stewart; his mothers-in-law, Jane McLean and Arlene Downs; his brothers-in-law Joel McLean, James Downs Jr., Rob Garafalo, and Russ Longley; his sisters-in-law Sue McLean, Denee Longley, Karen Downs, and Wendy Garafalo; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

John was predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Christy McLean; his brother, Gary Hoffer; his nephew, Peter Stewart; his fathers-in-law, Jock McLean and James Downs; and his brothers-in-law, Josh McLean and Gregg McLean.

The family is deeply grateful for the love and support of family and friends, and for the compassion of the doctors, nurses, and caregivers who cared for John, with special thanks to the team at Regional Hospice of Danbury.

The family plans to hold a celebration of John’s life in the spring.

Those wishing to honor John’s memory may consider a donation to Regional Hospice of Western CT, 30 Milestone Rd., Danbury, CT 06810