Harry A. Hoffner Jr. ’56

Harry died March 10, 2015.

He was born in Jacksonville, Fla., and attended the Hill School in Pottstown, Pa. Harry earned a bachelor’s degree in modern languages and literature at Princeton and went on to earn a master’s degree in theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, followed by a Ph.D. in ancient Mediterranean studies from Brandeis University.

Harry’s academic career included positions at Brandeis, Yale, and the University of Chicago, where he served as the John A. Wilson professor of Hittitology and executive editor of the Chicago Hittite Dictionary, which he co-founded with professor Hans Guterbock in 1976.

Harry was an internationally known expert on the Hittite language. He was the author of many books and articles, including a comprehensive grammar of the Hittite language.

In addition to his extensive work in ancient Near Eastern studies, he had a great interest in biblical studies and sacred music, teaching numerous Bible study classes and serving as a member of the Chancel Choir of College Church in Wheaton for two decades. His final work was a commentary on the biblical books of Samuel I and II, soon to be published.

Harry is survived by his wife, Winifred; two sons; and a daughter.