Photo submitted by Moffitt family
A beloved member of the Honeoye Falls community, both personally and professionally, Harland Davis (Hank) Moffitt passed away peacefully at home on Friday, November 27, 2020 at age 99. He was 10 days shy of his 100th birthday.
Mr. Moffitt was predeceased by his wife of 68 years, Marie Moffitt; his parents, Edna and Harland P. Moffitt; sister, Margaret Rose; and brother, Robert Moffitt. He is survived by daughters: Susan (John) Connelly of Honeoye Falls, Virginia (Eric) Baker of Lima, and son, John D. (Carol) Moffitt of Honeoye Falls; eight grandchildren: Maureen (Doug) Sloth, Christina (Rocco) Sanfilippo, Andrew (Tessa) Connelly, Eric (Jeanne) Baker, Matthew (Katie) Baker, Ned Baker, Heather Moffitt and Jack (Amy) Moffitt, 13 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Mr. Moffitt was born Dec. 7, 1920 in Honeoye Falls and was a life-long resident. He graduated from Honeoye Falls High School in 1940. He was a member of the basketball team and a member of the Pack 10 Boy Scout Troop.
During WWII, he joined the Federal Civilian Pilot Training Program, attending Ground School at Geneseo College and flight training at the Dansville, NY airfield. He enlisted in the US Army Air Corps and attended advanced flight training in L-3s and L-5s as a liaison pilot at Waco AFB, in Texas.
Mr. Moffitt later attended Geneseo State College. He went to work for the Federal Housing Administration in Rochester, but when his job was transferred to Buffalo, he refused to move his family from his beloved hometown.
He and his wife started two successful, local businesses. Be-Mar Roller Skating was begun in 1958, which provided a fun, recreational activity for students in over 200 area schools. For many years, he also operated the “Leopard Den” in Honeoye Falls, featuring local rock and roll bands that gave teens a safe place to dance and have fun. He also opened a similar business in Lakeville.
During the summers in the 1970s & 1980s he operated the Long Point Park roller skating rink. In 1989, Marie and Hank opened the Dipper Dan Ice Cream Shop, which continues to be a community favorite for young and old alike. Hank was very family oriented, which was reflected in his businesses. He loved being around people and was one who made the most of life! He employed the youth of the community and instilled in them the values of honesty, integrity and service.
Probably one of the best ambassadors for his beloved hometown, Mr. Moffitt knew everyone in town and made each feel like a lifelong friend. One person wrote on his tribute page that he “gave awesome hugs!” Another noted that he “filled so many people’s life with love and happiness he will never be forgotten.”
Ellen Hallahan wrote: “Hank was one of a kind! He was quick with a smile and even quicker with a great story! His loss will be felt throughout the entire community.”
Deb Milne O’Brien wrote that he and his wife Marie “were an inspiration to many – their love, the ambition, the caring for community, the knowledge.”
Mr. Moffitt was a 63 year member of the Honeoye Falls American Legion Post #664. He was inducted into the HF-L Alumni Hall of Fame in the fall of 2008. Mr. Moffitt is the only person who is a son and father to a Mendon Town Supervisor as his father, Harland P. Moffitt, was Mendon Town Supervisor (1940-1962) and his son, John, is the current Town Supervisor. Hank and Marie were recognized as Community Assets many years ago.
He was a long-time supporter and advocate for train travel and a collector of train memorabilia. He was an avid bass and walleye fisherman, making frequent treks to Honeoye Lake, Conesus Lake, Black Lake, NY and Fifth Depot Lake, Canada.
He and his wife, Marie, loved to dance to big band music. Jitterbug dancing became popular with local bands at the Rochester Collegiate Club when Hank was in high school. He was a fan of Glenn Miller, Count Basie, and Tommy Dorsey.
Hank’s family would like to extend a special thank you to his many healthcare aides for their dedication, care and kindness: Shannon, Margo, Jessica, Debbie, Bonnie, Cathleen, and the UR Home Hospice staff for their invaluable assistance.
A private graveside service with military honors was held on Sunday, November 29th. Burial was at the Honeoye Falls Cemetery, North Main St, next to his beloved wife, Marie. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Honeoye Falls or Falls Legion Post #664. Arrangements were by Merton H. Kays Funeral Home in Honeoye Falls.
