Peter D. Hoffman

Peter Hoffman - known to loved ones as "Pete" - completed a lifetime of adventures on April 5, at the age of 70. He passed away peacefully at home in Bradford, MA, surrounded by family. 

Born in Weymouth, MA on May 8, 1955 to Daniel Hoffman and Frances (Homer) Hoffman, Pete was the third of nine Hoffman siblings. He grew up in Braintree, MA and was a member of the cross country team at Braintree High. During his teenage years, Pete was an adept carouser, cruising with friends in his Plymouth Valiant across the South Shore in search of a good time – and a great story to share over breakfast at the local diner.

Pete met the love of his life, Di, in 1978, while both were working at Hewlett-Packard (they were the only tea drinkers in the break room). They married in 1980 and raised three children: Erika, Andria, and PJ. The family lived in Bradford in a house that was always full of food, music, and pancakes, with a regular schedule of pool party cookouts and birthday parties. Pete would also lead family vacations throughout the year: ski trips, boating day trips, beach weekends at the Hoffman cottage in Cape Cod, camping near Acadia National Park, and summer pilgrimages to theme parks.

A lifelong learner, Pete was always picking up a new skill or knowledge, whether it was about carpentry, history, computer programming, or the natural world. He was known for adding his own flourishes to everything: a clever home improvement, an extra step to a line dance, or a new route for his motorcycle.

Pete had an unrivaled commitment to experiencing life to the fullest - traveling to different corners of the world by plane, car, bike, or boat and enjoying the local food, music, and culture. Friends and family marveled at the non-stop adventures that were the core of his life with Di: ocean cruises, visits to 23 national parks, and exploring parts of Europe. Locally, they spent their time riding his Indian motorcycle all over New England whenever weather permitted, enjoying visits to local restaurants, spending time with their line dancing community, and seeing their favorite bands perform live.

Pete leaves behind a legacy of curiosity, conviction, and courage. Curiosity to learn about anything and everything, so he could discover more of the wonder in the world around him. Conviction to set a path and follow it, leading to a life full of adventures and memories. And courage to face his diagnosis with clear eyes and a full heart - asking only to see all of his loved ones in his remaining time, to anchor what he meant to each and every one of us.

Pete is survived by his wife Di Meade Hoffman of Bradford, MA; his daughter Erika Gullicksen of Titusville, FL; his daughter Andria Hoffman of Tarrytown, NY; and his son PJ Hoffman of Salem, NH. Pete is also survived by all eight of his siblings: Beth Kimmell of Zachary, LA; Dennis Hoffman of Abington, MA; Cathy White of Sonoma, CA; Terry Hoffman Touzjian of Lyons, CO; Paul Hoffman of Norton, MA; Joanne Georgeakakis of Bridgewater, MA; John Hoffman of Norton, MA; and Jim Hoffman of Norton, MA. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 17, in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 So. Main Street, Haverhill, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the National Parks Foundation, in memory of Pete. Alternately, the family welcomes the planting of a memorial tree (white oak was Pete's favorite). For guestbook, visit www.driscollcares.com

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