William (Bill) Dale Hoffman, 91, from Montoursville passed away on June 29, 2022. Born March 7, 1931 in Montoursville, PA, Bill was the youngest child of the late Greydon W. and Mable Brelsford Hoffman.
Bill spent many of his formative years growing up in Hillsgrove where his family moved when offered free housing during the Great Depression. After moving back to Montoursville, Bill graduated from Montoursville High School in 1949. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1952. He served in Japan, Korea, and Germany as an Airborne Radio Operator. He loved reminiscing about his days in the Air Force and traveling all over the world including an emergency landing in Iceland where he stayed for two and half weeks.
After serving in the Air Force, Bill enrolled in engineering at Lycoming College. In 1958, he left college to take over the family business, Hoffman Home Improvement Company, with his older brother, Robert, when their parents were injured in a serious car accident. He retired from the business in 1999.
In 1950, he and his high school buddies built a cabin in Shunk, PA. This would be one of his favorite places on earth. Bill would enjoy the next 60 years spending work weekends filled with horseshoes, poker, hiking, hunting and napping in his beloved Eagle’s Nest.
Bill was one of the original members of the Upper Fairfield Planning Commission and served as its secretary for ten years. He helped to draft and pass the first zoning, subdivision, and land development ordinances.
Bill had a quick wit and humor, was a wonderful listener and enjoyed deep and meaningful conversations which endeared him to countless friends. He was an avid reader, a true gentleman, a lifelong learner, a master craftsman, skilled gardener, and played scrabble and cards. In his younger years he enjoyed golf, skiing, and Penn State football. He was a member of Montoursville Presbyterian Church.
Despite a vast array of hobbies and interests, Bill’s greatest joy in life was spending time with family and friends. He was a wonderful husband, doting father (always complimenting his two girls), adoring “Pop-Pop”, beloved uncle, and loyal friend. He was generous with his time and always willing to lend a hand. William was predeceased by his brother, Robert, and sisters, Jean Helsel and Barbara Bosch. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Ocie (Shick) Hoffman and two daughters, Kimberly (Mark) DiRocco, of Mechanicsburg, PA, and Christy (Matt) Vogel, of Harrisburg, PA; 6 adoring grandchildren, Amber, Danae, Annie, Natalie, Brady, and Izzy; and 3 great grandchildren, Felicity, Markus, and Damien. His life was well lived, and he will be dearly missed.
A life celebration will be held on Saturday, July 16 at 11 am at Montoursville Presbyterian Church, 900 Elm Street, with Pastor David Smith officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting contributions be made to UPMC Hospice, payable to Susquehanna Health Fund with Family Hospice noted. Donations may be mailed to Family Hospice, UPMC Williamsport Divine Providence Campus, 1100 Grampian Blvd., Suite 4S, Williamsport, PA 17701. The family is so grateful for the love and care provided by the Hospice and Williamsport Home staff during his final days.
Arrangements are being handled by Spitler Funeral Home, Montoursville.
