Joseph Henry Hoffmann

Born in Pittsburg PA on January 8, 1932, Joe grew up in Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. He graduated from high school in 1949 from the Frankfurt American High School in Germany. Returning to the United States while his family remained in Europe, he attended Duquesne College in Pittsburg.

After graduation, Joe enlisted in the ROTC and received his appointment to the Army’s 11th Airborne Division. While stationed in Augsburg, Germany he met his future wife, Marjorie Wride. They were married in Virginia in 1959 and celebrated their 50th Wedding anniversary in August 2009.

After leaving the Army, Joe enrolled in Georgetown Law School and obtained his law degree in May 1964.

The family moved to California in September 1964. While he passed the California Bar exam in 1966, and remained a member of the State Bar until his death, he did not practice law; instead, Joe began long career with Health and Human Services in 1964, holding many positions, and retiring in January 1995.

Joe was active in community activities. A Parishioner of Our Lady of Loretto since 1964, he was proud of his participation in the Knights of Columbus, which he had joined in 1962. He became a member of 4th Degree, serving several terms as Grand Knight as well as secretary. He was active in the 4th Degree Color Guard and contributed time and effort to almost every Knights of Columbus activity. He was recognized as a frequent blood donor, and was a lifetime member of the American Legion. Along with his late wife Margie, he began volunteering at the Novato Human Needs Center in the 1970’s, where they were each honored as Volunteer of the Year in 2004. He attended many reunions of the Frankfurt American High School, serving on the reunion committee multiple times.

He and Margie enjoyed travelling and took many trips in the US, Canada and Europe.

Joe is survived by his daughter Caligney (Willard), sons Eric (Kristina) and Bruce (Penny) and sister Mary Kolling and seven grandchildren, Trevor, Curtis (Megan), Gretchen (Michael), Jordan, Kelly, Cooper, and Luke; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Margie, and his elder sister Josephine Thomas and younger brother Paul.

Joe is loved by his family and his many friends. He will be missed by all who knew him.

A Rosary Vigil will be held at 5:00 PM at Our Lady of Loretto Church on Friday February 17, 2023. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday February 18, 2023 at 11 AM at Our Lady of Loretto Church at 1806 Novato Blvd, Novato.