Obituary of Josef Mayerhofer

Josef Mayerhofer (Joe), 93, of Swan Lake, NY, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2024 in Slingerlands NY, surrounded by his loving family. There will not be a funeral service, and condolences may be sent directly to the family at 32 Thorndale Rd, Slingerlands NY 12159.

Josef was born in Germany, and grew up in Hoehenrain (Starnberg, Bavaria), to Peter and Elisabeth Mayerhofer (Heckmaier) on 3-2-1930. At age 14 he apprenticed as a cabinetmaker, and upon graduation, worked in Munich for several years before emigrating to New York in 1951. That same year he met his wife of 67 years, Anna Mayerhofer (Reichel), in the Yorkville neighborhood of Manhattan. This German neighborhood was the center point of Joe and Ann’s social lives and they belonged to many clubs and organizations. In 1959, Joe opened his own business, Mayhof Woodworks in Brooklyn NY, and enjoyed 12 years of building custom woodwork for restaurants, social halls and many lovely apartments in New York City. In 1971, Joe and Ann decided to try something new, and along with their daughter Linda, moved to Swan Lake NY, where they owned and operated a bungalow colony (M&M Cottages) for 35 years until he retired. Joe was an active, lifelong member of the Freemasons, belonged to Socrates and Sullivan Lodges, as well as the Scottish Rite, Shriners and Elks. Joe spent many enjoyable hours involved in charitable and fraternal activities. Joe also loved spending time with family and friends, especially if outdoor cooking was involved. He loved to barbeque, always made way more than could be eaten, and had many happy memories of good food, good times and very good friends in Swan Lake. His quick laugh, cheerful smile, ready wit and generous nature will be missed by all.

Joe is survived by his wife Anna, and daughter Linda Mayerhofer (Phil DiGiorgio), grandchildren Francesca DiGiorgio (Chris Barron) and Josef DiGiorgio (Jenny Bryk). He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Peter (Lisa) Mayerhofer and their family (in Canada), and Gerhard Zill (Jeanette), Ingeborg Blum, and Renate Zill and their families (in Germany).

Memorial donations for Josef Mayerhofer may be made to the Masonic Brotherhood Fund.