John M. Hoffman

AGE: 27 ISLAND HEIGHTS

John M. Hoffman, 27, of Island Heights, passed away Monday, Nov. 1, 2010, at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital in New York. John's journey this past year was one of courage and optimism, characteristics that he exemplified, understood and easily bestowed on everyone that he touched. Born in Point Pleasant, he lived in Point Pleasant Beach before moving back to Island Heights with his wife, Melinda several months ago. After graduating from Monsignor Donavan High School in Toms River in 2001, John attended and graduated from Bucknell University in 2005. At Bucknell University, he was captain of the Men's Swim Team, Academic All- American and was awarded All- Patriot League honors. John proudly received his Law Degree from Widener University School of Law in Harrisburg, Pa. After graduating, he interned at the Ocean County Prosecutors Office and served as a Law Clerk for The Honorable Anthony J. Mellaci in Monmouth County. For the past year, he was a lawyer with Hiering, Dupignac, Stanzione, Dunn and Beck Law Firm in Toms River. John was a member of the Ocean County Bar Association. For many summers, John was a lifeguard at Ortley Beach and Island Beach State Park. He was an avid N.Y. Yankees and N.Y. Giants fan and he enjoyed golfing, tennis and swimming. John showed his passion for swimming while coaching the Dover Township swim teams along with the Y of Western Monmouth County.

John is survived by his beloved wife of a year, Melinda Polito Hoffman; his parents, The Honorable Ronald E. Hoffman and Paula Hoffman of Island Heights; his sister, Jody Graichen and her husband Todd, his nephew, Ben of Athens, Ga.; his brothers, Greg Hoffman and his wife Ali of Ashville, N.C., and Teddy Hoffman of Spring Lake; his grandmother, Anne Wasson of Huntington, W.Va.; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Tom and Jane McCourt of Toms River; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and dear friends. His friends will continue to live in the spirit and example that only John could set.

Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5 at Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main St., Toms River. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 6 at St. Joseph's Church, Toms River. Burial will follow St Joseph's Cemetery, Toms River. If you would like, please support brain cancer awareness by selecting all white flowers "White Matters".