Thomas M. Hoffman of Middletown died Dec. 24, 2024 – one day before his 85th birthday –after a short illness but following a full life.
He had a passion for life that anyone could see and made an impact on every person he met, no matter how briefly.
Tom was the loving husband of Deborah (Lamp) Hoffman of Middletown for 43 years, who survives him, along with their children, Phillip Hoffman of Middletown and Melanie Dallavalle and her husband Til of Ocean Township, and grandchildren Evelyn and Tommy. Tom is also survived by the children of his first marriage to Judy Brady: son Marc Hoffman and his wife Tracy of Palatine, Illinois, and stepson Tony Dillon and his wife Jen; and son Christopher Hoffman and his wife Barbara of Tijeras, New Mexico, and their son Sam Hoffman and wife Avery of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Tom’s sons remember him teaching them what it means to be a man and how to be a father. His daughter recalls their shared enjoyment of J. R. R. Tolkien’s works. His grandchildren will miss Grandpa’s revered Mickey Mouse pancake breakfasts and “elevenses.”
Tom was predeceased by his parents, Doyle and Marie Hoffman, and his siblings, Jerry Hoffman and Sally Magaziner.
Thomas Martin Hoffman was born Christmas Day 1939 in Frankfort, Indiana. He grew up in Monroe, Indiana, attending a one-room schoolhouse before moving to Angola High School, where he would return as an English teacher. He graduated with a degree in English from what is now Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.
After teaching, he worked at CNA Insurance’s Chicago office in the human resources department. He spent 18 years with CNA, relocating to the New York office to run human resources for the insurer’s Eastern region. Tom then ran his own executive search firm in Annapolis, Maryland. When American International Group (AIG) asked him to find an HR executive for its New York office, Tom applied himself. He got the job and for the next 17 years, worked as vice president of HR for AIG’s worldwide life insurance operations. Those he worked with remember his mentoring, loyalty, dedication and desire to do the right thing, which he always delivered with a smile.
Whether he was working, sailing, cooking, traveling or attending Monmouth Civic Chorus concerts or Broadway shows, Tom’s big smile and immense warmth made everyone feel special.
Deb loved Tom’s sense of adventure, positive outlook, and generous heart. “Tom shared his wonder and created a life that took my ‘breath away, stole my heart, and changed my life,’ ” she said, quoting Queen. He will be deeply missed.
Tom’s memorial service will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. March 15 at Evergreen Funeral Home, 1735 Route 35, Middletown. At 6 p.m., the family will invite visitors to share memories of Tom with stories, songs and prayers.
For more about Tom’s life, his memorial service and his favorite charities, visit evergreenmemorialfuneralhome.com.
The article originally appeared in the February 6 – 12, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
