Harry Hoffner ’56

Harry died suddenly March 10, 2015 at the age of 80.

He graduated cum laude from Princeton and earned a master’s of theology from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1960. He also earned a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in ancient Near East languages from Brandeis University.

Harry, who retired in 2000, was the John A. Wilson professor emeritus of Hittitology at the University of Chicago. The director of the Oriental Institute said that Harry was one of the leading figures in the study of the Hittite language. He co-founded the Chicago Hittite Dictionary in 1976. As editor, he laid the foundation for the most important research tool for scholars studying the world’s oldest written Indo-European language. In addition to the dictionary, Harry authored several books on the Hittite language and culture.

In retirement, Harry made wintertime visits to South Carolina, where he enjoyed walks and bike rides on the beach. A Bible-believing Christian, Harry taught Bible-study classes and was a member of the choir at College Church in Wheaton, Ill., for two decades.

Harry is survived by his wife of 57 years, Winifred; their three children, David, Karen, and Lee; and grandchildren Samantha and Maija.