Florian Michael Hoffman Jr.

Florian Michael Hoffman Jr., 92, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Florian proudly served in the United States Air Force for five years as a Staff Sergeant, where he trained in electronics and radio operations and first discovered his passion for aviation. While stationed in France during his service, he met the love of his life, Claudine, and his devotion to her never wavered. Their marriage spanned more than six decades and stood as a testament to his unwavering love, loyalty, and commitment. Together they raised three children: Michael, Christine, and Lisa.

In his younger years, Florian loved piloting his Piper Cherokee airplane and found great joy in all things aviation. He often took his family on impromptu flights to visit friends and relatives up and down the East Coast, creating memories that would last a lifetime. He also enjoyed building model airplanes, deer hunting, camping with his family, and punctuating family gatherings with the occasional unexpected joke, often arriving just when it was least expected and most appreciated.

Following his military service, Florian built a long career in the trucking industry, retiring as a supervisor.

Throughout his life, Florian faced significant personal hardships and serious health challenges with quiet strength and resilience, meeting each obstacle with the same steadiness and perseverance that came to define him.

Above all, Florian was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. A steady and supportive presence, he always urged his children and grandchildren to pursue their goals, believe in themselves, and strive for all that life had to offer, and celebrated their accomplishments with great pride.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Claudine Hoffman; his daughters, Christine Hechtle and husband Steve, and Lisa Gianfrancesco; his son, Michael Hoffman and wife Mary; his grandchildren, Nicole Fortin and husband Matthew, Christa Youngerman and husband Brett, and Tyler Hechtle; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Florian and Mary Hoffman; his sister, MaryAnn Thaiss; and his son-in-law, Michael Gianfrancesco.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 333 Route 18 South, Old Bridge, New Jersey.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.