Bill Hoffman, fun-loving family man

Bill Hoffman, 82, of Lewes passed away peacefully Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019, surrounded by his family. He was born Aug. 23, 1936, in Mayfair, Philadelphia, Pa., to Paul and Grace Hoffman, along with his big brother, Paul Jr.

Bill graduated from Drexel University with a degree in structural engineering and was drafted to the Army where he served as a military police officer until being honorably discharged in 1965.  He was a scratch golfer and enjoyed many years on the links, accepting multiple golfing awards and accolades. He also enjoyed surf fishing, bird watching and spending time with his family, laughing and relaxing.  Bill was a loving husband and devoted to his wife of 55 years, “His Judy.” They enjoyed entertaining, landscaping, traveling and spending time with their family and friends.

Bill had an easy-going personality, and over the years he and Judy made many friends in the areas in which they lived (West Chester and Downingtown Pa., Southport, N.C., and Lewes).  Bill was a caring father to his three children, Janette, Jill and Billy. His children adored their daddy just as much as he adored them. They spent many giggly evenings listening to the bedtime stories he would tell as his Brothers Grimm-style fairy tale heroes and heroines met horrible ends, while villains such as the Big Bad Wolf ended up winning the day. They also delighted as he held handstands so long that he’d walk up a flight of steps still standing on his hands.  Bill was a neighborhood dad to all the friends of his children. His elaborate snow paths, which included high curves and massive bumps, made “Hoffman’s Hill” the famous snow day destination of all the neighborhood kids. He even went so far as to wet the course down with a hose on frigid nights to increase the speed for the next day, and delighted in the excitement and fun it brought to everyone.

The family spent summer vacations at the Jersey Shore where Bill would construct large sand castles, fortresses that usually had an element of movement and possibly danger - like “alligators” in the moat. He spent hours playing with his children, body surfing and burying them under sand mounds.  He was adventurous whether it be a roller coaster ride, a game of neighborhood baseball or kickball in his backyard, doing flips and back dives in his pool or engaged in a family night of snacks and board games.  Bill lavished that same fun-loving personality on his three grandchildren Benjamin, Jack and Eden, who have just as many memories of Pop-pop as did his kids.

He enjoyed working with his hands and was a master at woodworking and creating things in his basement shop in his early years. He enjoyed landscaping, having a beautiful lawn, and just being outside.

Bill and his brother Paul loved to entertain their families with their boyhood tales and memories, and were still laughing about them together at the final moments of his life. 

Bill Hoffman was a great man, beloved by many, and cherished by his family and friends. He will be remembered for his fun-loving personality as well as the special ways he touched each person in his life, always offering a big warm smile. The memories he leaves behind will continue to live in and throughout the hearts of us all forever.

In accordance with Bill’s wishes his ashes will be scattered in the waters that he loved to fish. As is fitting to his style, Bill expressed not to have a somber service but instead a party, and the family will honor his request with a celebration of life which will be held early summer in Chester County, Pa.

Bill was a generous supporter to the Make a Wish America foundation and memorial donations in his memory may be made to wish.org.

Please visit Bill’s Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.