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Reverend Howard Matthias Hoffman

Howard Hoffman Obituary

Hoffman, Reverend Howard Matthias Priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago for 63 years, died April 1, 2004, at the age of 88 years, late of St. Benedict Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Niles, IL. Beloved son of the late Matthias and Louise Hoffman, dear brother of Jerome (Clara) Hoffman of Riverside, also late Charles (the late Mary) and the late Harold Hoffman. Former Professor at Quigley Seminary and St. Mary of the Lake Seminary. Former Pastor of St. Casimir Parish (Chicago Heights), St. Teresa Parish (Chicago) and Associate Pastor at St. Mary Parish (Riverdale). Past Secretary of the Board for the Priests' Retirement and Mutual Aid Association for the Archdiocese of Chicago. Lying-in-state at the Infant Jesus of Prague Church, Flossmoor Rd. and Leavitt Ave., Flossmoor, Sunday, from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral Mass Monday, 10:30 a.m. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Chicago. 708-798-5300

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times from Apr. 3 to Apr. 4, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
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Walter O'Grady

April 25, 2004

I studied Latin with Father Hoffman in first year at Quigley Preparatory Seminary. He was a gentle patient, and thorough teacher. Several years ago, my class was honored when he attended our fiftieth graduation anniversary, and we were complimented when he said that he felt privileged to have been our teacher.

Fr. Hoffman was a fine priest, a true gentleman, and an apostle for our times.

Jay Champelli

April 20, 2004

He is Risen, Alleluia!!! A saint for our times. I had Mattie for several classes at Quigley and Niles from 56 to 62. Two memories stand out: doing cartwheels for pennies thrown to (at?) him for the Missions, and gently sobbing while listening to Edelweiss from the Sound of Music! He would have witnessed our wedding had he not been in Europe. I saw him last December and he looked very tired. We pray for ourselves for our loss, but celebrate his Resurrection!

Charles (Cas) Obie

April 5, 2004

I served as Matt’s associate pastor from 1968 to 1973 at St. Teresa. He was truly a man who could relate to people and everyone who came into contact with him were enriched by the experience. The way he worked with and became one with the people he served should be taught in seminaries. Matt was in his 50s when he did cartwheels in the dance floor at parish dinner dances. He went out of his way and often at great personal and financial sacrifice to make sure the Hispanic parishioners were served spiritually, even to the extent of foregoing his own salary so that the teachers in the school could be paid. He was, in a word, a self-sacrificing priest in the spirit of Christ. God’s blessings, Matt. There are so few of you around these days.

Jack Farrell

April 5, 2004

I met Fr. Hoffman when he was teaching English at Quigley in 1950.

Throughout the years I have often remembered his wonderful smile and the patience he had with us students.

Fr. was truly one of the greatest Priests/ People that I have ever met.

Mary Trifone

April 5, 2004

Matt had already been a priest for 50 years when I first met him through work at the Association of Chicago Priests. He was one of the kindest persons I've ever known, a shining example of what priesthood is all about, truly one of Chicago's finest. He was a staunch supporter of ACP, had just completed term as co-chair in 1990 when I was hired, was re-elected to the Board by his brother priests for the next ten years when his health began to fail. It was a privilege to know and work with him, he was a dear friend, and will be greatly missed. Per end of yesterday's Gospel, this day Matt is with Jesus in Paradise.

Robert Kerrigan

April 5, 2004

To Fr. Hoffman's Family, my sincere, respectful sorrow at your loss! And Father's death is and always will be a blow to our hearts! For those who knew him, we know that words are inadequate to relate our wonderful experiences with this holy Priest! To those who did not know him, you missed knowing one of the finest priests God gave us! I have NO doubt that this great mentor to so many, is now resting in the comforting arms of Our Dear Lord! He was my teacher, confidant, who brought me closer to The God of Love! Cherish his memory and pray for him! God Bless Matt, his Family and us, through this time of loss, yet time of joy, for he truly left this tired world a better place by his presence and love for us! Bob Kerrigan, San Diego, California.

Marty & Maureen Geraghty

April 4, 2004

Fr. Hoffman was a table-mate of our mother/mother-in-law at St Benedict's. She has suffered a stroke and is in complete control of her faculties, but has a hard time speaking. He was exquisitely kind to her, patiently trying to understand her and remembering she is also somewhat hard of hearing. She remembers him very fondly for his kindness, and so do we.

Fr John Baldwin

April 4, 2004

Your brother/uncle/ was a truly GREAT priest of Chicago. He preached at my first Mass in '59. He was my English teacher in '47. A good friend. I will miss him as will hundreds of priests in the Archdiocese.



peace, RIP

Ross & Mary Cavanagh

April 4, 2004

We are with the Hoffmans in thoughts and prayers. Our memories are many and fond -- Father Hoffman epitomized what a pastor and Roman Catholic priest should be. We are blessed to have known him and remember him with love.

Marilyn Weaver

April 3, 2004

To the Family of Father Hoffman, I just wanted to tell you how wonderful Father Matt was. I always enjoyed his sermons and stories. About 10 years ago Father Matt helped me through a very difficult time after a surgery, where I didn't know what the outcome would be. He took time out of his day to come and visit me at the hospital, not in the neighborhood, and then visited me at home. I'll never forget his kindness to me. We also invited him come to our 25th Wedding Anniversary party where he again surprised me with his never ending spirituality. He was able to help us renew our wedding vows without our requesting him to do this and gave us a special blessing. Then he came in and stayed for awhile and sang with us and told stories to our family and guests. He was truly a very special person in my life and personified everything I believed to be a great priest and a holy person. I'm sure he is with God and looking down on us and telling us not to worry that everything is OK. He will be missed by many. He is someone I will never forget. May God Bless You and Your Family.

From the Staff of Tews Funeral Home

April 3, 2004

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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