Joseph L. Hoffmann

Joseph L. Hoffmann, 86, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026, with his family by his side after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.

Joe was born in Akron, Ohio, and grew up as the oldest of eight children born to Sam and Moira Hoffmann. He was a proud graduate of Saint Vincent High School before attending the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy, where LT "Lil Joe" Hoffmann proudly served as a Submarine Officer aboard the USS Sirago (SS-485) stationed in Norfolk Virginia. Following his military service, Joe returned to Notre Dame to complete his master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Joe and his devoted wife of 61 years, Joanne (Jan Gradisar), began their married life together and moved their young family to Batavia, Illinois. They eventually returned to Akron, settling in Bath, where they resided for over 50 years. Joe spent more than three decades with Ohio Edison and later ECG, building a respected career and many lifelong friendships.

Throughout his life, Joe found his greatest joy in his faith and his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Whether volunteering at his children's schools, tackling a new home project, or supporting his family in countless ways, Joe was always ready to lend a helping hand. A faithful and active member of Saint Hilary Catholic Church, he lived a life of quiet service, humility, and generosity.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Jan; his six children, Mike (Kate McCarthy Hoffmann), Brian (Trisha Petit Hoffmann), Karen (Stan Kenner), Mary K. (Dan Redmond), Sarah (Ryan Crane), and Mark (Marisa Lamkin Hoffmann); and his 21 cherished grandchildren.

Joe will be remembered as a kind, humble, and deeply faithful man whose life reflected the example of Saint Joseph through his unwavering devotion to God, his family, and his work. His steady presence, gentle wisdom, and generous spirit will be profoundly missed and forever cherished by all who knew and loved him.

The family will receive guests Monday, July 6th, 2026 from 5-7pm at the Hummel Funeral Home - Fairlawn located at 2800 W. Market St. Akron, Oh 44333. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place the following day, Tuesday, July 7th 2026 at 11am at St. Hilary Parish located at 2750 W. Market St. Fairlawn, OH 44333.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to one of the following charities:

The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research https://give.michaeljfox.org/donate

The St Hilary Parish Foundation https://www.sthilaryfoundation.org//Page/?Page=Donate