John Peter Hoffman

John Peter Hoffman, 84, passed away peacefully at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center on August 13^th 2023. John grew up in New Jersey but called eight states and Thailand his home during his lifetime. John is survived by his two living children, Michael Hoffman and Kathleen Mathers and her spouse, Glenn, his grandchildren: Ross, Macy, Anan, Rainey, Piers, Rivers, and Nicholas; siblings Thomas, Richard and Jane and their spouses Cheryl, Mary and Robert along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. John’s oldest son, John Ross Hoffman (Johnny) preceded him in death in 2010. 

John was born on December 19, 1938, in the Panama Canal Zone, to the late John L Hoffman and Katharine (Kitty Stepkovich) Hoffman. John, “JP”,or as his family affectionately called him Bud, was a proud graduate of St Bonaventure University in Olean, New York, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. 

Bud was the eldest of four children and his younger siblings always looked up to him as a supportive, smart and caring big brother. He was a great swimmer and enjoyed camping. Bud  appreciated the wonders of the natural world and often shared his love of gardening with his sister Jane. He amazed his family with his knowledge especially of astronomy, botany, and history. Everyone wanted to be on Bud’s team when playing Trivial Pursuit. 

Bud served in the US Air Force for 10 years as a Navigator on B52’s where he flew over 200 combat missions during the Vietnam War and was awarded the US Air Medal with 9 Oak leaf clusters. He spent an additional five years in the USAF Reserves where he was awarded the Humanitarian Service Medal in 1975 and left the military at the rank of Major. Bud was a member of the Disabled American Veterans. He lived his last four years at the Gino Merli Veterans Center in Scranton, PA, where he received wonderful care by the kind and patient nurses and other staff members. 

Bud was a practicing Roman Catholic whose faith gave him comfort throughout his life. He was singing religious songs and prayers in his final days. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint James Catholic Church in Gulfport, Mississippi, on Friday, December 15, 2023, at 1:00pm. 

Following the mass, Bud will receive Military Honors rendered by the United States Air Force and will rest in peace in the Biloxi National Cemetery close to where his children and grandchildren reside. 

In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree in memory of Bud (he would love that!) 

Riemann Family Funeral Homes is honored to serve the Hoffman family.