Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Edward Hoffman Obituary
Edward "Bird" Hoffman, 71
The world is a little less grrrrrreat today after the loss of the cheerful, positive spirit of Ed Hoffman, otherwise known as "Bird," a name he applied to himself that expressed the upbeat style with which he approached life and work, family and friends. Ed was described by one of his colleagues as a "human exclamation point!" Ed liked that! He was a man of many enthusiasms. Whether it was for his achievements in real estate marketing and the home building field, his work with the Home Builders Association of Greater Chicago, his curiosity and thirst for knowledge and insights to share with others, his keen observations and documentarian of human nature, his passionate involvement and activism in local politics designed to make the world a more just place or his endless love of family and friends, Ed was in fact that "human exclamation point." A guy who would always answer the question "How're you doin'?" with a resounding "Grrrrrrrreat!" If that makes you smile, it's a fitting way to remember and honor "Bird".
Ed is survived by his Partner-in-Love, Sarah Stafford, proudly self-described as Ed's "Ladybird" for 21 years, brother Buz (Joey) Hoffman, sisters Bonnie (Dr. Art) Lustig and Robbie (Scott) Schreiber. And his rock band of nieces and nephews who their "Unca Eddy" loved as his own, Andria (Aaron) Winter, Lacey (Brian) Weisbaum, Jessica (Andy) Kim, Sam (fiance Eman) Hoffman, Joe (Ari) Lustig, Sarah Lustig, Aaron (Haylee) Schreiber and Ilana Schreiber. Beloved son of the late Jack and Selma Hoffman.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, October 30, 10:00 at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 8851 Skokie Blvd. (at Niles Center Road) Skokie. Masks will be required at the chapel. Donations may be made to American Civil Liberties Union - Illinois, 150 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60601, www.aclu-il.org or to PBS WTTW-Chicago, 5400 N St. Louis Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625, www.wttw.com or the Klezmer Music Foundation, 4025 Harvard Terrace, Skokie, IL 60076, www.klezmermusicfoundation.org. To attend the funeral live stream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com
Sign Guest Book at legacy.suntimes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edward Hoffman
Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.
Lew
November 13, 2024
Hey Edbird,
Sorry that I missed your passing and celebration of your life. You will be missed. Thanks for the many memories and your just being you! What a long strange trip!!
Go Cubs!
Peace and Love,
Lew
lloyd shefsky
October 30, 2022
Robbie,
Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss.
Lloyd Shefsky
Mary Pollock
October 26, 2022
The Purple Sage as he signed greeting cards, notes and letters with an elaborate multi-color picture of a sunrise, was an unforgettable life force. We had some good times on intense political campaigns in the 70s. What a guy! A life well lived; he will be missed by all who knew him.
Mark Woodward
October 25, 2022
Simply put, Ed was a great human being. All of the many many people who were privileged to know him will mourn his passing.
Rick Stenquist
October 25, 2022
"Edbird" as he called himself in recent times was a close friend for almost 50 years, since 1973. It is hard to believe he is gone. I was planning to call him today! I will miss his laughter, his keen insight into the human condition, his deep commitment to the political causes in which he believed and his caring attitude towards all of us. TURTLES, EDBIRD! You will be greatly missed. I love you and your dedication.
Pat McCann
October 24, 2022
I worked with Bird on a number of political campaigns as a member of GOAT. He was a positive force for change and a powerful advocate for justice. Rest In Peace.
Daphne Parker-Green
October 24, 2022
Remembrance is equal to the earnest laughs Ed brought on we thought would last eternally. Speed-On Bird.
Suellen and Bill Wolk
October 18, 2022
Edbird, your laughter and optimistic spirt touched our lives in so many ways. The most special of all is that 16 years later we still call our daughter by the nickname you spelled first on a nametag at a Homebuilders event. Thank you for making so many otherwise bland moments memorable.
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in Edward Hoffman's name
Memorial Events
for Edward Hoffman
Oct
30
Memorial service
10:00 a.m.
Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel8851 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077-2224
Funeral services provided by:
Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel8851 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077-2224
How to support Edward's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Edward Hoffman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
