Merritt Island

Robert James Hoffman, U.S. Navy Commander (Ret.), 93, passed away February 24, 2014, after "Fighting His Final Battle" He was born December 6, 1920, in Dubuque, Iowa, the younger son of Catherine and Francis Hoffman. After attending Loris College in Dubuque, he enlisted in the Navy in 1942 serving his country bravely as a "Tailhook" pilot flying SBDS carrier based dive bombers in the Pacific. After the war he continued his career spanning the Atlantic, Europe, Africa, and the U.S. He served as a pilot, and later as navigator of the U.S.S. Boxer, twice assigned at the Pentagon and culminated his career as the Executive Officer of the Navy R.O.T.C. at University of Rochester in New York, during the Vietnam conflict. He was a part of "The Greatest Generation". Even at the end of his life he was exceptionally modest about his service, feeling he was just doing his duty serving his country. This self-deprecating attitude was typical of WW II veterans. He was passionate about being an aviator and felt honored to serve. Bob epitomized the impact of attitude' on life. Despite being given a terminal diagnosis of cancer at age 50, he chose to be grateful for each day worth living - convinced that life is 10% of what happens to us and 90% of how we react to it. The remainder of his life defied the odds as he lived another 43 years. After his medical discharge in 1970, Bob and his wife Lorraine moved to Cocoa Beach, Fl. and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Known for their great entertaining with, Lorraine playing the piano and Bob tending bar and telling jokes. He loved his golf, fishing and even near the end, swimming every day. He was an active volunteer with the American Cancer Society, Meals on Wheels, and Patrick Air force Base Pharmacy. He was a parishioner at Church of Our Savior Cocoa Beach and later at Divine Mercy Church after moving to Merritt Island. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Lorraine in 1997 after 55 years of marriage, and his brother Francis in 2013. He is survived by his children, Dianne Roe (George), Stephanie Steenburg (Earl) and Robert J. Hoffman Jr: grandchildren Robert Hoffman III, Ashley Hoffman Overcash (Mason), Christopher Hoffman (Sara), Lauren Hoffman, Jennifer Hayes, Michael Steenburg (Diana), James Steenburg(Jessie) and great-grandchildren Devin Hatch, Chase Hoffman, Laeth Overcash and Sadie Steenburg. Bob was a selfless and generous person who believed that Family is most important and his love and support was eternal, always putting the needs of others above his own, which was his legacy to his family and others who knew him. He taught us to be grateful for every day well-lived', and to give back', whenever you can. Despite many medical setbacks, he reacted with undaunted courage, strength and grace. He was a source of inspiration and he will be sorely missed by his family and others who knew him. The family is grateful for the extraordinary care and support provided by Wuesthoff Brevard Hospice. No service is planned. Memorial tributes may be made in his name to Wuesthoff Brevard Hospice, V.F.W, Daily Bread, or Salvation Army. Thank you all for your love and support.

The following passage reflects the essence of the beloved "Commander".

HIGH FLIGHT
By~ John Gillespie Magee Jr.
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. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along,
And flung my eager craft through 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 untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God