Gary Shores

Gary “Shores” Hoffar, age 71 of Sylvania passed away on February 19, 2023. Gary was born December 26, 1951 in Rocky River, Ohio. He was raised in Dearborn, Michigan where he graduated from Dearborn High School. Gary then attended the Specs-Howard School of Broadcasting and began his career in radio in St. Ignace, Michigan. He then moved to Hollywood, Florida where he met his beloved wife, Joanie who worked at the same radio station. They moved to the Toledo area in the 1970’s where Gary started his Toledo career as an on-air personality at what would later become K-100. It was also where he met the late Harvey Steele and teamed with him to become “Shores and Steele“ from 1994-2017. They were the number one rated radio show for over 20 years, beginning with the afternoon drive time then hosting their popular morning show. Shores and Steele also received the CMA Award for best on-air personalities in a medium sized market in 1995. Gary loved his community, his family, and his many close friends. He was an avid classic car collector, an active supporter for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Life Connection of Ohio.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Joanie; sister, Holly; and parents, Barron and Patricia Hoffar. Surviving are his children Julie (Dan) Garwatoski, Garrett (Ashley) and Alan (Sarah) Hoffar; grandchildren, Ryan and Alyssa Garwatoski and Noah and Abigail Hoffar.

Friends may visit the family on Sunday February 26 from 11am to 6 pm in the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave, (west of Corey). Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Life Connection of Ohio, Are You Dense (areyoudense.org) or Make-A-Wish of Northwest Ohio (wish.org/oki). Condolences may be shared with the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com