Fred R. Hoffman

February 10, 2020
Fred R. Hoffman

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Hayes, VA – Fred Ralph Hoffman took his final flight into the arms of his Savior on Feb. 10, 2020.  He was born to Vanetta and Fred Hoffman in Califon, N.J. on April 26, 1935.

Fred served 4 years in the Air Force, some of that time spent in England where he started to follow his passion of flying by taking lessons in a neighboring town.  Fred then returned to VA and went to work at the Yorktown Oil Refinery.   He continued to work on a flying career by obtaining advanced ratings and even started a flying club, with his friend Bo, at Patrick Henry and managed the West Point Airport in VA.

Fred was hired by Piedmont Airlines in 1966.  He started as first officer on a DC-3 and retired in 1994 as Captain on the 757/767 with USAir, after their merger with Piedmont.  He would often say, “I can’t believe I’m getting paid for this!”. After retirement, he flew for the N.C. Forest Service and the Civil Air Patrol at Patrick Henry.

When not flying you could find Fred working on classic and antique cars, his second passion, and enjoyed belonging to the Colonial VA Model A Ford Club for 30 plus years.

Fred was a proud 32 degree Scottish Rite Mason and, also, a Noble Shriner; as a Shriner he and his friend, Bobby, had flown children with cancer and their families to St. Jude’s Hospital, at no cost to the families.

Left to cherish his memories, and retell his many stories, are his sons Rodney and Dean Hoffman of Florida, Andrew (Allison) Hoffman of Rhoadesville, VA; daughter, Kristen (Scott) Griffith; and two grandchildren, Capri and Katarina Bryant of Williamsburg, VA.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Bucktrout Funeral Home in Williamsburg, VA., Sat. Feb. 29, at 1:00 pm………   Model A’s are more than welcome!!

In lieu of flowers, a donation would be appreciated at:  Williamsburg Aviation Scholarship Program, 102 Marclay Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185 – attn: Charley.

 


Memorial

Saturday, February 29, 2020
1:00 PM

Bucktrout Funeral Home - Directions
4124 Ironbound Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
757-229-3822

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  • February 22, 2020
    Brian & Wendy (Albanese) Douglas says:
    You were a family friend for nearly 50 years and you will be remembered and missed by us all. You were always there with hugs, stories, lessons and lots and lots of laughter. You shared the best of yourself and by doing so, you brought out the best in everyone that was lucky enough to know you. Rest easy and fly high, dear friend.

  • February 28, 2020
    Macey Thomas says:
    Fly on, proud bird! You’re free at last. Rest In Peace, my friend.

  • February 28, 2020
    Barbara Rainey Sokol says:
    I flew many trips with Fred in the 70’s. He was so much fun, yet very professional. Always a pleasure to fly with him! My sincere condolences to his family.

  • February 28, 2020
    Tammie Kechula says:
    Fred Hoffman. What a man of pride. He loved telling stories about his days of being a pilot, and all the big names he had met. When I remember Fred its his charm that shined loudest. That's just who he was. The sparkle in his eye was reflective in the kindness of his heart. He loved Rodney, and was incredibly proud of him in every way.. I am Connie's sister, and I know that he definately had sincere love for his Florida family. He will be truly missed in our family. -Tammie Kechula

  • February 26, 2020
    Wayne & Gail Griffith lit a candle:
    Lit since February 26, 2020 at 2:33:05 PM

  • February 25, 2020
    Maryann Shackelford says:
    Fred, many memories going way back; flying was always the love of your life. Spread your wings in Paradise......rest in peace!

  • February 24, 2020
    Rose Marie Buckner says:
    Fred, we go way back when you and Buck worked together at the Yorktown Refinery. Buck will most likely greet you at the “Pearly Gate”.... wanting you to take him for a grand tour in that Cessna 310! Rest In Peace! You will be missed......

  • February 24, 2020
    Rodney and Dean Hoffman lit a candle:
    Lit since February 24, 2020 at 2:17:45 AM

  • February 23, 2020
    fred smith says:
    I knew Fred when he taught me to fly at PHF. I was working for Piedmont at PHF as an agent. Fred and I became good friends and flew often during 1967/68. On Aug. 30, 1968 I was piloting Fred's Cessna 310 (2199C) from PHF to Sky Manor airport in New Jersey. Fred was providing some hood time for me, and upon landing at Sky Manor, the nose wheel collapsed. Of course the props curled up and we flew commercial back to PHF. The aircraft was repaired and Fred did fly it again, but he sold if. By this time Fred was already flying for Piedmont out of ORF. In May 1969, Fred served me as Best Man at my wedding. He drove my bride and me from the church to the reception in his sixty something Plymouth convertible. What a lifelong good friend he was to me. God bless Rodney, Dean and all the family.

  • February 23, 2020
    Jennie Wenk says:
    Rest In Peace Mr. Hoffman. You have left so much love in your family and they will cherish that gift forever.

  • February 13, 2020
    Colleen Fields says:
    Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds – and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of – wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hovering there, I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through the footless halls of air. Up, up the long, delirious burning blue I’ve topped the windswept heights with easy grace Where never lark, or even eagle flew. And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod The high un-trespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God. Freddie your Brothers and Sisters of Piedmont Silver Eagles already miss you

  • February 22, 2020
    Carolyn Albanese says:
    Our family will never forget our dear friend, Fred. We all loved him. (3 generations of us)..

  • February 22, 2020
    Vicki Green says:
    Love and miss you Uncle Jr.

  • February 21, 2020
    Jackie Epps Diggs says:
    Rodney, Dean and all your Family..So Sorry to hear about Fred. I have so many fond memories of Fred at West Point Airport, Were Sonny, Duke, Diggs helped Fred run the airport. And I helped on Sunday and Mondays. Plus many other memories .... God bless all your family and you all are in my thoughts.

  • February 21, 2020
    Susan Alexander Arkebauer says:
    I really enjoyed working with Freddy. You knew you were going to have a safe and enjoyable trip when you opened the cockpit door and there was Freddy in the left seat. God Bless you.

  • February 21, 2020
    Susan Alexander Arkebauer says:
    Fred Hoffman

  • February 21, 2020
    Duke ("Sonny") Diggs says:
    I owe so very much to Fred Hoffman, both personally and professionally. We met sometime around the time I first soloed in 1957 and were immediately friends. Fred and two partners bought Colby Aviation and they put me in charge of the West Point Airport operation in 1965 with Fred teaching me things about flying that would serve me my entire career in aviation, and that likely saved my skin a few times! Farewell my good and trusted friend. Fair skies and tailwinds until I too fly West and we plan our next flight together!

  • February 18, 2020
    Katie Rutledge says:
    Wheels up, Fred. Angels in Heaven need a super great pilot!

  • February 18, 2020
    Connie Metzler says:
    Rest In Peace, Fred. God has cleared you for takeoff into the wild Blue yonder.

  • February 17, 2020
    Rodney Hoffman and Dean Hoffman says:
    Dad, we love you and will keep you in our hearts forever. Rest In Peace; You are in God’s hands now.