Obituary of Richard J. Gollhofer

Bolton Landing Richard “Rich” John Gollhofer, 33, beloved son of Paul and Lynn Gollhofer, died suddenly on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at Albany Medical Center Hospital. Rich graduated from Massapequa High School, Long Island in 1992. Rich attended Hudson Valley Community College graduating with high honors with an Associates Degree in HVAC in 1994. He was employed by the Sagamore Hotel Resort in engineering and the Six Flags, Great Escape Waterpark Lodge as Assistant Chief Engineer before starting his own business, Rooks Heating/Cooling and Refrigeration. Rich was a proud member of the Bolton Landing Fire Department since 1996, and a past member of the Bolton Rescue Squad. He served on the fire department board of directors for five years, as Lieutenant for three years and 4th Assistant Chief for one year. He was best known by those close to him as “Rook”, had many passions that included working on his house, boating on Lake George, snowmobiling, closely following NASCAR and hanging with his buddies at the fire house. Rich possessed a big heart, always quick to lend a hand, help a friend or laugh at a joke. He always put his family and friends first and all who knew him loved him. Rich is survived by his parents, Paul and Lynn Gollhofer; his brother, John Gollhofer and his wife, Lorie of Bath, ME; niece, Kirsten Gollhofer and nephew Max Gollhofer; his grandmother, Ruth Wuest Bierbicher and grandfather, Lawrence Bierbichler of Palm Bay, FL; aunts and uncles, Betty Skipper and her husband, James of Perry, FL; Greg Gollhofer and his wife, Mary of Stewart, FL; Joseph Gollhofer and his wife, Agnes of Sattelite Beach, FL; William Wuest and his wife, Denise of Centereach, Long Island; and many close cousins. Friends may call on Rich’s family from 6-9 pm Friday evening at the Alexander Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main Street, Warrensburg. Members of the Bolton Vol. Fire Co. will be present and act as honor guard. A Mass of Christian burial with full Fire Department Honors will be conducted 10 am Saturday at the Blessed Sacrament RC Church in Bolton Landing. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rich’s memory to the Bolton Landing Fire Department, 5003 Lake Shore Drive, Bolton Landing, NY 12814. Please visit www.alexanderfuneralhomes.com for online guest book, condolences and directions.