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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Richard Alan Hoffman

Richard Alan Hoffman, age 94, passed away on January 30, 2023

As Dad said: “I was hatched and then dispatched”; with us noting a lot of life was lived in-between.

Born in 1929 and raised in Trumbull, CT to Ruby Bell and Leslie Hoffman, he ventured throughout the world in the Navy then settled down, married his partner in life, Betty Hoffman (Paproski) from Danbury, CT. Graduated with a Mechanical Engineering degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Moved to Delaware with a long career at the DuPont Co. Raised a family, took them traveling through the country 5 different times in a station wagon and stayed at old Howard Johnson’s on the way. With his bride, they traveled to the North and South Pole and everywhere in the middle multiple times in planes, trains, and boats – the favorite being the Delta Queen with its paddles rotating in the Mississippi while listening to Pete Fountain.

Always the creator, establishing two businesses and 7 patents, Dad enjoyed tinkering with cars, time in his “Shop”, wood working that included buildings, furniture, skate ramps, to fine detail of music boxes. He loved Porsches, races, riding his John Deere, a martini made “his way”, and always always always dancing with his lovely bride of 71 years. He was the definition of a rebel and a gentleman all in one persona. As a testament to his Mensa abilities, our upbringing was anything but boring! Dad lived his entire life true to himself, as the lyrics of his favorite songs go “to dream the impossible dream” and “I did it my way.”

A wonderful Husband, Dad, Granddad, Great Granddad, Son, Brother, Uncle.

Family not yet dispatched: 3 children, 5 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren.

Dad signing off: “And you have yourself a good day.” Peace

Funeral Services

Services will be private.

Condolences

    Carolee Kunz writes,
    I visited Dick at The Summit —a long-time St. Barnabas’ parishioner checking on another — and boy did that guy radiate light, joy, and enthusiasm! I left with a spring in my step, smiling for the rest of the day. I’m smiling now, too, thinking of Dick and Betty reunited. They were a beautiful couple, inside and out.
    02/03/2023 06:27 pm
    Penny and Greg Taylor writes,
    Dick was a well beloved member of our St Barnabas Community. We were so sorry to hear of his passing. Please accept our heartfelt sympathies. Greg and I will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
    02/03/2023 08:52 pm
    Libby Green writes,
    I was sorry to hear of Dick’s passing as well as Betty’s not long ago. She and I sang in the choir at St Barnabas together. I remember Betty talking about their going dancing and I was so envious! I stopped by their home one time to bring Betty flowers from our church as she had had minor surgery. I arrived at 4:00, cocktail time and Dick made me a martini “his way.” Delicious! Wonderful man, wonderful couple! They are missed!
    02/04/2023 08:49 am
    w. barry baker writes,
    I worked for and with Dick at Dupont's Petroeum Lab in N. J. and for ten years in Kennett Square. Many wonderful memories!!!
    02/05/2023 02:45 pm
    Kathy Powers writes,
    Prayers for Mr. Hoffman's family. So honored to have gotten to know him & his wife here at The Summit. So happy that they are reunited again. May God Hold Them in The Palm of His Hand Until You Meet Again.
    02/06/2023 09:26 am
    Nancy Jeanne Cantwell writes,
    Dear Hoffman Family, My father, Edward Cantwell worked with your dad at Dupont. Your father and mother were dear to my parents and we enjoyed many celebrations together. Your parents had a fun spirit and I would run into your dad in his Porsche since I worked in downtown Wilmington. This is an end to a fabulous era of incredible intellect and passion for life. If only we can hope to achieve such success and satisfaction. Thinking of your family at this time. Nancy
    02/06/2023 08:25 pm
    Ann Kelly Lopez writes,
    My sympathies to the family with the loss of your father. Dick was a long time member at St Barnabas and while I didn't know him well, he always kept me "in check" when I was usher on his side of the church. He made sure I was paying attention and added some fun and lightness to my job. He was a pleasure to be around!
    02/08/2023 05:02 pm
    J. Patrick Holahan writes,
    Hoffman family, I was just made aware of Mr. Hoffman's passing and I am so very sorry for your pain. As his neighbor of over twenty years, I enjoyed your memory note of him and it was spot on. I have his how to make a martini card still with me. He was a great neighbor and gentleman. Pat Lisa and Jay Holahan.
    05/08/2023 02:29 pm

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