Charles W. Hofstetter Jr.

Loving father and grandfather

Charles Wesley Hofstetter Jr., 68, passed away on Friday, March 23, 2018, after a brief, courageous battle with cancer, with family at his side.

Mr. Hofstetter was born March 14, 1950, in Staten Island, and grew up in New Brighton. He attended St. Peter's Boys High School and Delaware Valley College. He served in the U.S. Army beginning in 1969. His unit was activated for the Vietnam War, where he served from 1970 to 1971, and for which he was awarded a Bronze Star. He ultimately found his true calling - working with animals.

"Buddy" was a light-hearted spirit who enjoyed spending time with friends and family, fishing, traveling, writing poetry, playing the guitar, and making people laugh.

He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Hofstetter (Kevin C. Sills) and son, Charles W. Hofstetter III (Karen Zakrzewski) from his second marriage (Catherine A. Fair Hofstetter), his son, Eric Kish from his first marriage (Susan Turno Kish), his brothers, Donald and John Hofstetter, his father, Charles W. Hofstetter, his grandsons Aiden, Charles, and Christopher, and his partner of 9-plus years, Maryann Cipriani.

Friends and family will be received at Harmon Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A final celebration of Mr. Hofstetter's life will be held at Harmon on Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at 10 a.m. Burial will be at Ocean View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family of Charles W. Hofstetter, Jr. would appreciate all donations made to the Staten Island Zoo.

Harmon Funeral Home

571 Forest Ave.

Staten Island, NY 10310

(718) 442-5056