William Hoffman

William L. Hoffman NORFOLK - Following a brief illness, William L. "Bill" Hoffman died Nov. 10, 2008, in his home. Born May 16, 1923, in Philadelphia, to John H. and Emma L. Hoffman, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy upon graduation from high school in 1942. He served as a corpsman in the Pacific theatre during World War II. After the war, he attended Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa., graduating in 1950 with a degree in business administration. He worked locally as director of personnel at Virginia Chemicals and later as director of personnel for the Norfolk area U.S. Postal Service from which he retired in 1988. He was a docent at the Chrysler Museum of Art and also donated much of his time and skills to Saint Christopher's Episcopal Church. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Clare E. Hoffman; his two sons, Clifford and Edwin Hoffman; his daughter, Karen Rainey; and three grandchildren, Allison, Patrick and Laura Rainey. A memorial service will be held Nov. 26, at 1 p.m. in Saint Christopher's Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Saint Christopher's Church, 2300 Cedar Lane, Portsmouth, VA 23703. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk Chapel, is handling arrangements.