Obituary of Thomas B. Dornhofer

Thomas B. Dornhofer, 67, of Jamestown, NY and East Hampton, NY, passed away unexpectedly at 8:50 a.m. Monday, February 1, 2016, in the emergency room of W.C.A. Hospital as a result of an acute heart attack. He was born August 2, 1948 in Rockville Center, Long Island, NY the son of the late Richard C. and Victoria "Dixie" Massingill Dornhofer. He was a 1970 graduate of the New York State Maritime Academy at Fort Schuyler in Bronx, N.Y., with a bachelor's degree in marine engineering. Growing up on Long Island, he had been on and around the water his whole life, starting as a little boy fishing with his dad on his 12 foot boat. Once he earned his chief engineer's license, he spent time in that position on everything from tankers, ferry boats, tugboats, private motor and sailing yachts and research vessels. Tom took great pride in his work and when he was the engineer the rest of the crew always knew they were in good hands . He loved the sea and realized he was blessed to able to experience the world through his vocation and many voyages to far away places. In between these adventures he worked on special effects for big screen movies, opened his own business for awhile, worked in a shellfish hatchery, and was a harbor master at a marina in East Hampton. Tom always said, "his favorite place to visit was one he has not been to yet". But, he always returned to New York, to the people he loved. While on land he enjoyed long motorcycle rides, reading, yoga, and daily walks along the beach in East.Hampton with the family dogs. Tom could often be found at his workbench fixing something that needed repairing or building something from scratch. He will be remembered by all who knew and loved him as a smart, funny and generous soul who was always ready to lend a hand. Surviving is his son, Paul T. Dornhofer of East Hampton, NY, two sisters, Diane (Al) Atcheson of Jamestown, NY, Elizabeth Dornhofer of New York City, his brother, Richard Dornhofer of CA, his former wife, Barbara Bologna and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 9, 2016, in the Lind Funeral Home. Friends will be received from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday. Memorials may be made to the Chautauqua County Humane Society, 2825 Strunk Rd. Jamestown, NY 14701. You may leave a condolence to Tom's family at www.lindfuneralhome.com.