Gerard F. Hofstaedter of Langhorne, PA died Monday, August 13, 2012 at Attleboro Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Langhorne. He was 85.

He was the beloved husband of 44 years to Elizabeth Baily Hofstaedter.

Born in Philadelphia he was the son of the late Gerard and Regina Deal Hofstaedter.

Gerard grew up in Philadelphia, graduated from North Catholic and went on to Drexel Institute, now known as Drexel University. He then continued on to the University Of Missouri School Of Mines and received his Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering. Upon returning to Philadelphia, he began working with Teleflex, in addition to teaching classes at Drexel University.

His time at Teleflex was brief, as he and some partners worked to create their own business. Ultimately, they founded EANCO, Engineered Aircraft and Nuclear Controls, where he served as Vice President. He then moved on to work for the Budd Company, working in their train division focusing on the interior design. His talents and knowledge in the train field also led him to work out of the country in Canada and in Europe where he assisted in the development of the Chunnel, working with many people throughout Western Europe.

Throughout his professional career Gerard always remained teaching at Drexel. His love of learning and desire to teach up and coming engineers gave was a big motivation for him to keep working. For over 53 years he proudly served as a professor for the University and it was finally at the age of 80 when he retired.

In addition to his beloved wife he is survived by his children; Patricia and Robert Garland of Perkasie, Paul G. ad Diana Hofstaedter of Landisville, PA, Deborah D. and Alvin Bumford Jr. of Southampton, Stephen A. and Lynda Dodson of Tuckerton, NJ, and a brother James and Donna Hofstaedter of Philadelphia. He also survived by his 8 grandchildren Brian, Michelle, Steffany, Adam, Emily, Andraya, Matthew, Zoey and 2 nieces.

His family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, August 16, 2012, from 9:00 am until his Funeral Mass 10:00 am at Our Lady of Grace Church, 225 Bellevue Avenue, Penndel, PA 19047. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Cheltenham.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gerard’s name may be made to Compassionate Care Hospice, 3331 Street Road, Suite 410, Bensalem, PA 19020.