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Frederick J. Hoffmann
Frederick J. Hoffmann
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Frederick Hoffmann Obituary
There was a piece of favorite banter between 5-year-old Derek Leohner and his grandpa, Frederick J. Hoffmann. The grandfather would ask, "Who loves you?" Derek would reply, "Pop Pop." "How much?" Mr. Hoffman would ask, and the answer would come back, "Too much."
"I only hope that Derek knows how true this was," said Nicole Leohner, Derek's mother and Mr. Hoffman's daughter.
The day after Derek was born in Ohio, six weeks premature, Mr. Hoffman hopped into his car and drove nine hours straight through, getting a speeding ticket along the way. When he saw the baby, lying in an incubator and connected to tubes, he said he looked like a movie star.
When Derek was less than a year old, his parents moved back to Freehold, N.J., where his grandparents live. Mr. Hoffman's wife, Gail, said that over breakfast last week, Derek said he wished he had a magic pebble, so he could "make a wish, and Pop Pop and Aunt Shelly will be with us, and we will be a happy family again."
Aunt Shelly was Michele L. Hoffmann, Mr. Hoffmann's younger daughter. She went with Derek to his school Halloween parades and class trips. She took him to movies. She teased him.
And she was beautiful. She made people's heads turn. "People were drawn to her dazzling smile and bright blue and green eyes," her sister said.
Four years ago, Mr. Hoffman, a partner at Cantor Fitzgerald, brought Michele, then 23, into his firm. He also brought in two other members of the family -- Ms. Leohner's husband, Bart, and Thomas Cosenza, Mrs. Hoffman's nephew. On Sept. 11, Mr. Leohner was out sick and Mr. Cosenza, was late for work. Mr. Hoffman and his niece were there.
"I always thought it nice to have the family members work together," Mrs. Hoffman said, "but who knew this would happen? Our loss is heavy, but it could have been heavier."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Luis Macias
September 11, 2020
From what I read he sounds like a wonderful man. I send my best wishes to him and his loved ones, and I know Mr. Hoffman will never be forgotten.
Anthony Betta
September 11, 2014
You were one of the best guys ever, I have so many great memories. Everyone misses you so much, it is amazing how fast time passes. Rest in peace and know that you are always in our thoughts and prayers.
John D Galileo
June 1, 2014
We can never forget. They will always be in our hearts.
Ali Kayaten
September 13, 2013
More than 20 years ago during my college days I used drive drive limo (black car) at nite and go to school during day. I picked Mr. Hoffman from his house in Freehold and drove him to his work at WTC, and few times to airport. The first thing that comes the my mind when I think about him is hi was a TRUE gentleman. He was the nicest person I drove. He always said that I should focus on my education. And I listened to him...Now I am a top computer programmer working for top financial firm.
Mr Hoffman, you were a good person, a real gentleman! Rip!
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Elizabeth Betta
September 11, 2012
Always in our hearts. . .
Renee Hoffmann Thompson
September 30, 2009
A couple of years after the event which changed all of our lives forever, I heard a radio commentator suggest that we, as Americans, are rather shallow in our choice of heros, often looking up to celebrities who might appear in the pages of People magazine. He suggested that there were few among us who could name even one person who lost their life in the terrorist attack on 9/11/2001. I took that comment to heart, and searched for someone with whom I had something in common - I chose to find someone that shares my maiden name - Hoffmann.
I searched for, and found, Fred and Shelly. Maybe in some distant way, we are related. When I took these two people into my heart, Fred and I would have been nearly the same age, and I have a daughter nearly Shelly's age. I have printed their story from the legacy website, and posted it in my cubicle at work. I feel as though I have developed a type of connection. Even eight years later, I want you to know that I think of your family often, and you remain in my prayers. Peace.
Rob Horowitz
July 11, 2008
Rob Horowitz
Fred was one of my mentors at Cantor Fitz. I was a trainee and he was in charge of the program. I can honestly say that I still quote Fred on a weeky basis. He is one of the people that has made a positvely influence on my life. I truly miss him.
P Tabbernor
November 10, 2006
In remembrance....
Kristine
November 2, 2006
As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Patrick Sammon
March 7, 2005
I knew Fred in high school and will always remember him, "Forever Young". I'll never forget.
USN/RET, Brooklyn Prep '66
Peter Fritz
September 11, 2003
My thoughts and prayers are with Fred and his family on this sacred day of remembrance. I knew Fred in the 80's when I worked for KMS and he for Drexel Burnham.
Nick Zennario
September 28, 2002
Gail,
Words cannot describe how I feel for your loss of Fred and Michelle.
I pray for them every day and remember you in those prayers, as well.
Nick Zennario
Ray Colovic
September 19, 2002
Dear Mrs. Hoffmann & family,
I know we did not know each other, but Fred was a dear friend and customer of Ecco Restaurant.He and I with several Cantor Employees, spent many evenings sampling fine Amarone wines. Which he had a true passion for. He will be missed greatly by our entire staff. RIP Fred and Michele.
Sincerely,
Ray Colovic
Ecco Restaurant,N.Y.C
Ken & Katherine Mui
September 11, 2002
Our hearts and prayers will always be with you and your family during these terrible times and to the bright future that awaits us all.
There are no words that can relieve the suffering caused by your loss, but please know that your grief is shared by many others such as us, and with that sharing will also come love and the healing of the spirit.
I have always believed that a person is the sum of the memories of those who knew and loved them. Although they may be gone, they will continue to live on as long as there are people such as you and I to remember them.
No Goodbyes, Just Good Memories.
Love,
Ken & Katherine Mui
Debra Colucci
September 11, 2002
Fred -
You are in my thoughts and prayers each day. I will never forget your
warmth and wonderful personality. I know you are taking care of Michele and looking over Gail, Nicole and your entire family.
God Bless you always. You will forever be missed.
The Cuscani's
September 8, 2002
We love you freddy and we will alwayz remember you.
Garry Swords
May 18, 2002
My prayers are always with Fred and his daughter Michelle. Fred was an inspiration and mentor to me as an athlete at Brooklyn Prep. I will always remember him.
Angie Campbell
May 1, 2002
Rest in peace and may God Bless you.
Patricia Earl
March 13, 2002
Dearest Gail,
Words can not express my feelins at this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. Always remember your friends at work are there for you every moment of the day if needed. I carry you and your family in my heart. May God bless you always.
Pat
Diane McCauley
March 12, 2002
Dear Gail,
My thoughts and prayers are with you always. Remember your friends & co-workers are here for you. May the Angels above wrap their arms around you and give you peace.
I am sure Fred is watching over you and he will help you to carry on. The bond between you and Fred can never be broken. May the memories comfort you. God Bless you and your family.
Anonymous
February 3, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL MAN FREDERICK J.HOFFMANN AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS.GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..MAY GOD GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN..AMEN
Teresa Jahn
December 28, 2001
We are very sorry for your loss of Frederick and Michele. May you always feel the warmth of their love radiate into your hearts. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Jo Jo
December 3, 2001
My prayers are with the family of Frederick J. Hoffman. I wear his Mercy B.A.N.D. to remind me to pray for your peace, comfort and mercy during this season of our Lord's birth. God bless.
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