Kenneth W. Hoffner, Sr.

Kenneth W. Hoffner, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and accomplished aerospace engineer, peacefully passed away on May 22, 2023 in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, after a brief illness. He was born on January 27, 1929, to his parents William Simon Hoffner and Lena Martha Hoffner. He was predeceased by sisters Jeanette S. Martin and Lee V. Chalmers.

Ken's dedication to his family was evident throughout his life. He was a loving husband to his wife Charlotte Riley and a devoted father to his children Ken, Jr. (Jeanne) and Lynn (Pravin). His grandchildren, Dan, Ellen, Justin, Jeremy (Lindsey), and Christopher, brought joy to his life, as well as his great-grandchildren, Jackson, Jordan, and Liam.

Ken was an Air Force pilot trainee and a proud veteran, having served his country honorably. After leaving the Air Force, Ken attended University of Texas, Austin to study mechanical engineering, where he met and married Charlotte. He later earned a master's degree in aerospace engineering from Arizona State University.

Born in a time of innovation and exploration, Ken's career as an aerospace engineer allowed him to contribute significantly to the space age. As a specialist in rocket propulsion, Ken helped to develop rocket motors that hurled missiles into the sky. Working for McDonnell Douglas in the Cape Canaveral, Florida area during the late 1960s and early 1970s, Ken was a part of one of the most impressive assemblies of technological talent on the planet at the time in this rather isolated part of central Florida. While his expertise and knowledge were highly regarded, he also left a lasting impact on his colleagues and maintained contact with his work buddies throughout his life.

After retirement from the aerospace industry, Ken served as a hearing officer for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) to adjudicate financial disputes between investment parties.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Ken had a passion for painting and found pleasure and expression in the arts. He was a member and volunteer at Mooresville Arts for many years in Mooresville, NC where he retired. He leaves behind a large collection of paintings that have not yet been fully appreciated by the art world, but are cherished by his family and friends. During retirement, Ken enjoyed participating the various activities of the Southenders Senior Men's Club. He lived a frugal lifestyle, content with the simple pleasures of life, as evidenced by his delight in driving used Pintos and Vegas in the 1970s until they self-destructed. He was a voracious reader, and he always got a chuckle from watching the TV show “Seinfeld,” even in reruns.

One of Ken's greatest joys was his love for travel. He explored various parts of the world, seeking new experiences and meeting new people along the way. He especially liked going on cruises later in life, and regularly visiting his timeshares.

After his wife Charlotte's death, Ken found companionship and shared life's adventures with his dear friend, Barbara Bryan. They enjoyed participating in social group activities such as dinners, where they formed lasting friendships and created cherished memories.

While Ken was an adventurous spirit in many areas of his life, he was also known for his particular tastes when it came to food. He knew what he liked and appreciated the flavors that satisfied his discerning palate.

With Ken's passing, he leaves behind a legacy of achievements, love, and cherished memories. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

A funeral service to honor Kenneth W. Hoffner's life will be held at Davidson College Presbyterian Church, 100 N. Main Street, Davidson, NC 28036 on Friday, June 30, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Friends and relatives are invited to attend and celebrate Ken's life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made in Ken's name to Mooresville Arts (https://mooresvillearts.org/make-a-gift) or the Mooresville Public Library (Friends of the Library Mooresville, P.O. Box 1754, Mooresville, NC. 28115) as a tribute to his commitment to the arts and education, and his desire to leave a positive impact on future generations.

May Ken's soul find eternal peace, and may his loved ones find solace in the memories they shared together.