Obituary: Charles Fredrick Hoffman, 96

Charles Fredrick Hoffman, 96, of Freehold, died Nov. 2 at Geraldine Thompson Care Center in Wall. Hoffman was born March 21, 1915 in Mercer County, New Jersey to Louis F. Hoffman and Anna Hoffman. During World War II, he worked at Thermoid Rubber and was commended by an Army general for his work. In 1947, he and wife Helene started Charles F. Hoffman Upholstery, restoring furniture for customers throughout central New Jersey. Hoffman enjoyed horse racing, baseball, and restoring antiques. He is probably most remembered for his extraordinary garden, which he ran like a small farm, even into his 90s. Relatives competed for the produce. Hoffman’s warmth and wit made him a favorite of his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Helene Murphy Hoffman. Surviving are his three children, Peter Murphy Hoffman and wife Helen Hoffman, of Boca Raton Florida; Charles C. Hoffman and wife Susan P. Hoffman, of Farmington Hills, Michigan; and Susan J. Cardinal and husband Leonard J. Cardinal, of Manasquan. Also surviving are his twelve grandchildren, Leonard J. Cardinal Jr., Christine Cardinal, Jennifer Wood, Megan Clemens, Karen Jones, Heather McCollom, Hope Lusk, Holly Weber, Charles Hoffman, Christopher Hoffman, Kathleen Hoffman, and Michael Hoffman. Hoffman is also survived by seventeen great-grandchildren. He will be sadly missed for his keen wit, admirable independence, and his home grown Jersey tomatoes.

Visitation will be held at the Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center Street, Freehold on Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 11 a.m. to noon followed by a memorial service at noon.