Sam Hoff's passing this week prompted some of his fellow Democrats to recall his hard work and dedication on behalf of the party.
"He was a very good person," summed up Allen Ertel. "Certainly a loyal Democrat. He would work and do things that other people shied away from. He didn't hesitate to take jobs."
Samuel R. Hoff, who died Monday at the age of 81, served for about 20 years as the county party's treasurer.
But Ertel recalled him taking on different activities, including Ertel's own political campaigns.
Ertel successfully ran for and served as county district attorney and later as a congressman.
He also made an unsuccessful bid for governor, falling in a close race to Republican Dick Thornburgh in 1983.
"He tried to raise money when we didn't have any money," Ertel said. "He really gave of himself. He didn't ask for anything in return."
Ertel also recalled Hoff as a man with a great sense of humor, who was even flamboyant at times.
"He would wear a different hat every day. It would go from wild to wilder," Ertel laughed.
Jessie Bloom, former longtime head of the Lycoming County Democratic Party, described Hoff as a "stalwart of the party."
"He always did what had to be done," she said. "He was a very good and staunch Democrat. Randy Hipple and Carl Hunter and Sam all ... were in the same class. We've lost them all now."
Hipple and Hunter, both Democrats, served on Williamsport City Council.
Bloom said Hoff, who served as a county jury commissioner and for many years was a member of the Williamsport Parking Authority, will be missed by everyone in the party.
"He was just a real backbone of the party," she added. "And he was also a very good friend."
Scott Aderhold acknowledged he had "big shoes to fill" when he followed Hoff as Democratic Party treasurer.
"He was very detail-oriented," he said. "Beyond that, Sam was much more than a treasurer. He was one of those old party sages. He provided a lot of counsel to our candidates. It was very good advice he would offer."
Aderhold noted that Hoff would reach across the political aisle at times too.
"He didn't think any one party had a monopoly on good ideas," he said. "He was a good guy."
John Confer, owner of Knight-Confer Funeral Home and a former city councilman, said Hoff not only worked hard for the Democratic Party, but for his community as well.
Indeed, Hoff was involved in a whole host of civic clubs and organizations during his life.
"I think he was a very honorable and community-oriented person who always looked to do his best," said Mike Wiley, an attorney and former city councilman.
"He was public service-oriented until his death."
