Clifford L. Hoffman

Clifford Leslie Hoffman, 91, of Flemington, New Jersey passed away peacefully at home January 19, 2014.

Born in North Branch, New Jersey on October 7, 1922, he lived most of his life on Bonnell Street in Flemington, in the home that his grandfather Charles Rittenhouse built.

He is preceded in death by his parents Edna (Rittenhouse) and Clifford Hoffman, his first born son Clifford Leslie, his brothers James and Charles, his sister Vera Ball and granddaughter Ivy.

Les is survived by his wife Anna (nee Van Kirk) of 71 years, daughter Shirley Hoffman, sons Keith, Ronald (Duffy) and Kevin, daughters-in-law Jan and Sherri, grandchildren Tate, Reid, Troy, Bekah and Madelyn, and great grandchildren Liam and Ada. He is also survived by two sisters Catherine Hendrickson and Ruth Nugent along with several loving sister and brother-in-laws from the Hoffman and Van Kirk family, nieces, nephews and their extended families. Les was a loving father, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to all.

Les was a proud veteran of WWII. He served in the 33rd Signal Corp from 1942-1945. His unit was attached to General George S. Patton’s 3rd Army. He participated in the Battle of Normandy, the Battle of Northern France, the Battle of the Bulge, the Battle of the Rhineland and the Battle of Central Europe. He subsequently served in the Pacific theater until December of 1945.

After the war, he returned to his wife and family in New Jersey and began his professional career which included positions at Hercules Powder Company, several chemical companies and culminated with his retirement from Hunterdon County as Director of Buildings and Grounds.

His early community activities included the South Hunterdon Little League where he held the office of president from 1971- 1975. He was a member of the Hunterdon County Historical Society, The Flemington Shade Tree Commission, and past President of the Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead Museum.

Les was a past Trustee in the American Boxwood Society. His passion for Boxwood spanned most of his adult life. He was an expert on the species and he propagated many varieties and delighted in sharing his stock.

As a lifelong craftsman, Les enjoyed refinishing antique furniture, caning chairs and making rocking horses. His children, extended family and many others have special pieces that he built or refurbished with tender care to each detail.

In his heart he was a farmer. He loved nature and during his retirement he spent several years breeding and tending to a heard of cows at Hunterdon Hills Farm in Delaware Township.

Among his other interests, Les was an avid bird watcher. He instilled this passion in his children and grandchildren. Thanks to his influence, even his great-grandchildren appreciate this interest.

The family would like to thank Hunterdon Hospice for their loving care in the past year.

Visitation will be at Holcombe-Fisher funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ on Wednesday, January 22 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Funeral Services will also be held at the funeral home on Thursday, January 23 at 11:00 am. Interment will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Capner Street, Flemington, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hunterdon Hospice, 2100 Westcott Drive, Flemington, NJ 08822.

Please visit www.holcombefisher.com for further information, or to send condolences.