Senate Resolution No. 2471

BY: Senator JACOBS

        COMMENDING Hofert Jewelers for 90 years of service
        to the community of Kenmore, New York

  WHEREAS,  It  is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
achievements of those individuals  and  businesses  which  substantially
contribute  to the economic vitality of their communities and the entire
Empire State; and

  WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and  in  full  accord  with  its
long-standing  traditions,  this  Legislative  Body  is  justly proud to
commend Hofert Jewelers for 90 years of  outstanding  service  to  their
community; and

  WHEREAS,  Truly  the  end  of an era, the Hofert family devoted nine
decades and four generations towards a store which has become a part  of
their life and history; and

  WHEREAS,  Hofert Jewelers opened in 1929, on Delaware Avenue, in the
heart of Kenmore's central business district; this quaint shop opened to
much fanfare, selling everything from wedding bands,  engagement  rings,
watches,  clocks,  necklaces  and  gold  chains;  as well as high school
rings, pewter and sterling silver plates and cups, marking the births of
children, and high school graduations; and

  WHEREAS, Herbert Hofert Sr. and partner, Ed Moeloth, opened and  ran
the  shop together for many years; they met while working at a wholesale
jewelry maker before striking out on their own; and

  WHEREAS, Following the death  of  Ed  Moeloth,  Herbert  Hofert  Sr.
passing the shop to his sons, Herbert Jr. and William; when they retired
in  the  mid-1990s,  Herbert  III,  known as Pepper, took over until his
retirement in 2007; and

  WHEREAS,  William  Hofert's  son,  Dominic  Hofert  took  over   the
business,  working  with his wife, Susan, their daughter Natalie and son
Andrew, until Dominic's untimely death in 2015; and

  WHEREAS, A true staple in its community, Hofert  Jewelers  is  quite
possibly the oldest continuously operated business in Kenmore; and

  WHEREAS,  Hofert Jewelers have weathered many storms, from the Great
Depression, to changes in fashion and taste, competition  from  national
retailers  and  the internet, and the unexpected death nearly five years
ago of the much beloved, Dominic Hofert; and

  WHEREAS, Four generations of Hoferts have given tirelessly of  their
time,  enthusiasm,  and  guidance  to  lift its community to the highest
level possible; and

  WHEREAS, It is  with  great  pleasure  that  this  Legislative  Body
acknowledges  this  exceptional  business  and  its contributions to the
local and State economies, and appreciate their admirable character, and
the respect and esteem in which they are held; now, therefore, be it


  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Hofert Jewlers and the Hofert family for 90 years of outstanding
service to the community; and be it further

  RESOLVED, That a copy of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted to the Hofert family.