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Michele L. Hoffmann
Michele L. Hoffmann
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Michele 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.
Alexa Werle
September 24, 2020
I did my usual post on FB of you for rememberance, I wish I was sending you a picture instead and laughing about old times. I wish many years ago when I went looking for you I found you, I wish we never stopped talking and it would have been just another day for us. I miss you Michelle and wish I never lost you. I think about you all the time and miss you so much. ❤
Alexa Werle
September 11, 2019
18 years, but not a day that I don't have something in my life that reminds me of you. Whether it be a song on the radio or a memory I tell someone about my youth and most of them include you. I only wish in our later years we had remained as close. I only wish you were here to meet my children. You knew my husband before a marriage was even a thought. I love and miss you everyday My Michelle.
Nathan Hox
July 14, 2016
It's so odd but the gravity of what happened on that terrible day is only just hitting me. Life is so unfair. I hope your family has found some type of peace. I did not know anyone that died that day personal and I think thats why I've been able to distance myself from it that much. Just know that we all still mourn for you. I wish I could do more.
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Albert Da Rocha
September 11, 2015
You are in my prayers....
Alexa Werle
February 25, 2015
Think about you always, love and miss you.
Jennifer
September 11, 2014
Thinking of you today...
Anthony Betta
September 10, 2014
Always in our thoughts and prayers, we will never forget you..
Lisa Perrotto-Murray
June 30, 2014
Your family may not remember me but we lived next door to each other in Brooklyn before you moved to NJ. I recall what a beautiful girl you were and what a wonderful family. My heart breaks for the Hoffmann family.
anonymous
September 11, 2013
I do not know Michele and have never met her. Her name was randomly selected while researching this horrible event. What I do know about her is that she is young, intelligent, and beautiful. And from researching her name I know that she was loved by many, kind, and is deeply missed by her family and friends. If there was one thing I would say to her it would be that you are in heaven now, with your Dad, and he will take care of you. I feel for all those affected by this trajedy. God bless.
Elizabeth Betta
September 11, 2012
Always in our hearts. . .
Randy Robles
September 10, 2011
it has been 10 years since you ahve been take for this world and your family... It also has been a long time since I have seen you last at our high school graduation, but I will never forget you and I send my sympathy to your family.
Scott Chamberland
September 5, 2011
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Alexa Werle
September 11, 2010
Thinking of you in my heart today. Thinking of all the moments we shared, and all the moments you lost. Every smile I have and every tear I shed I have one more for you. I love you Michelle.
Ashley Norbeck
June 25, 2010
Michele I was 6 when I met you,I still remeber the first night I met you and you gave me a barbie with a squashy stomach.You are always in my thoughts and prays.
Alexa Werle
September 11, 2009
You are always in my thoughts. Thinking of you even more today. Too many memories, brings too many tears.
Derek Booth
May 23, 2009
Michele,
You are always going to be in my thoughts and prayers and you always and forever will be in my heart.
Deirdre Lopian
September 10, 2007
Michelle,
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rick Gardner
May 29, 2007
NICOLE-
Although, I have never met you, I am a childhood friend of Bart's and it is very sad to hear of this happening to his family. Actually, sad to hear it happen to anybody's family.
I hope time has started to heal your wounds.
March 22, 2007
January 12, 2007
You will soon be brought home to rest. if not already, you will have an identification again. May this bring a sense of peace to your family and friends.
We know you are at peace in heaven. Now, may you be brought back in a sense that hopefully can bring some kind of relief to those in your prayers.
M.L.H
January 2, 2007
in remeberance
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.
Mark French
September 13, 2006
5yrs .. too long since i've seen you. There is not a day that goes by that i dont think of you and the great times we had. I wish i could wind back time..
.. love you and miss you ..
Mark
Derrick Van Vechten
September 12, 2006
Michele...it's hard to believe it's been five years since we last spoke. I still have not taken you out of my email address book...I can't seem to do it. I know you are existing happily along with your father, looking down at all of us and smiling.
You are dearly missed!
DVV
Your mom and me at Tara's wedding
Kimberly (Siversen) Burke
September 11, 2006
It’s hard to believe it’s been four years since I last wrote in this guestbook. It seems like yesterday and forever ago all at the same time. In those four years, I have lost my father, gave birth to a daughter, and celebrated my 5-year wedding anniversary. Oh – and I saw Tara just a few weeks ago. She’s still the same “LuLu,” plugging along in her slow and somewhat giddy signature style, but left noticeably different by your absence. I was at her wedding and sat behind Nicole and your mother at the church. I knew in an instant it was them, as your mother sniffed quietly into her tissue. “It took me all Summer to get up the nerve to come here,” she said with a sorrowful smile. I later spoke to her at the wedding and marvel still at her strength in the face of what is a crippling loss. She’s still beautiful, with your round eyes and perfectly straight, sun-streaked hair. I often want to reach out to her and tell her you’re still thought about, even by people like me who haven’t seen you in so many years. But I carry on with my busy life instead, still looking up at the sky whenever I hear “I want you to want me” by Cheap Trick (the song playing as we finally ended our 13-hour trip to Myrtle Beach). I’m not sure what I’m looking for, but I guess I’m hoping for some sign that you’re with us too. I look for my father now, in that same sad and hopeful way. I still think of you on your birthday, just two weeks before mine. “How can you only be 27?” I wonder, confused. My brother once said, “Death can never be understood because it defies all logic.” And I think that is true. But the other night, I had a dream so vivid I knew it was unlike anything I ever experienced. I was on a sailboat with my father surrounded by this beautiful peace and calmness. I asked him, “Would you choose it again? Would you do this all over again, if you had the choice?” He gestured around to the still waters and said, “I would! Because of the quiet...” It was then that I understood why he left this world just 11 months after being diagnosed with lung cancer. So I like to envision you in that same place. Forever 27 and at peace, sailing along through a tranquil utopia none of will ever experience until its our time. And if I do see you there, someday, don’t worry. I’ll bring the lipgloss and melba rounds.
Jim Vargo
August 24, 2006
I can't believe its been 5 years...
I know you are in a much better place now... but make sure you check in on us from time to time... we miss you...
Alexa Werle
July 11, 2006
I am a very old friend of Michele's from Lake Naomi/Timber Trails. My maiden name is Alexa Chesler, my sister is Marni. I lost touch with Michele sometime in 1995. I had tried to find her many times, I found her today, a sad day. It never occured to me that someone I once knew so close could die such a tragic death. I have many wonderful memories of Michele in the Poconos, as well as the many visits she took to visit me in Florida. I can remember Fred, a caring, strong wonderful dad. Fred and Gail took me into their home for a bit when my parents moved to Florida from NYC, I wanted to spend my summer in the Poconos and they let me stay with them. I remember the last time I saw Michele, she came to visit me in Florida, my boyfriend, now husband picked her up at the airport. We spent two weeks talking about old times in the Poconos, laughing for hours. We had changed so much over the years, but it felt like the same old silly kids hanging out with the local yolkls as my mom would call the local boys in the Poconos. I know Michele has been without us for many years, I never in my scariest dreams would have thought that her or her dad could have been victims of such a terrible, tragic death. I found Michele by going to google.com and putting her name in it, I found her memorial. I was shocked, saddened and upset that I had not found her earlier. I hold a spot in my heart and a pray in my soul for Michele, Fred, Gail and Nicole. I have not and will never forget all of you.
February 22, 2006
Happy 32nd B-day kid!!!...hope to see you again soon in the dreams you have bestowed upon me. I thank you, and will always keep the thoughts of our few times hanging out together in my heart
forever...if I could only turn back time, who knows? You are always in my prayers, and I keep the candle burning for you all. God Bless. I will never forget you, though I hardly knew you. Regret will never
repress in my mind, my subconscious is in tune.Stay Gold.
Tara Mitchell
September 8, 2005
Hi, Michele!!! As you know, I am getting married next month. Even though you have not physically been with me for the past 4 years, you HAVE been with me. I miss you more than words can say, and TJ, my fiance, loves hearing stories about you, and I am SURE that you would both approve!! Anyway, I just wanted to say "Hello" and remind you how much you are missed. I will never forget about you, and can't wait to see you again in Heaven or in my dreams!! Love you!!!! Tara
Jennifer Donahue
September 12, 2004
Thinking of Michele, her father, and the rest of the victims of 9/11.
Jennifer Donahue
Jim Vargo
September 10, 2004
We miss you, you will never be forgotten.
Tara Chiari (Aquilino)
March 26, 2004
Hi Michele,
I can't tell you how many times we think of you and your Dad in Heaven as we remember my brother, F.T.
So many of the photos we have of F.T. include your beautiful smile and glistening eyes.
I was remembering the time you came with F.T. to help me renovate the kitchen floor in my apartment on Mulberry Street. You and F.T. dragged the linoleum tiles up 5 flights of steps and then spent hours laying the floor down. I think you even organized my kitchen closet.
We continue to always think of you and your Dad; in private amongst our family and at the ceremonies held by Cantor and at Ground Zero on the anniversary. I hope you receive the messages we leave you on the wall at the Cantor memorial service in Central Park.
You will never be forgotton.
Love,
Tara
February 21, 2004
Happy 30th birthday in heaven, Michele.
You are so beautiful....
Nancy Warren
September 11, 2003
Rest in peace Michele... rest in peace.
Ken & Katherine Mui
September 12, 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
Jim Vargo
September 11, 2002
I found that post by Dawn about big orange cone really funny being that I met Michele at Jenkinsons when they were playing. In life we meet so many people and its very seldom that someone makes an impact on your life. Michele was one of those unique people that made that impact. When we met we discussed how everyone our age was getting married and having kids and all that jazz. So we decided to kid around and pretend that we were married. The funniest thing was when she saw someone she went to high school w/ and told them we were married, had a kid, all this stuff. And then the guy walked away and I said to her aren't you going to tell him you were kidding around and she said "no he cheated on one of my friends and I never really liked him much anyway ". I knew at that moment somebody w/ a sense of humor like that was special. I often look back in retrospect and wonder why did our lives paths cross? I knew her for such a short time and though I cherish the the memories I still wonder what was the reason was? Was she an angel? Guess I'll won't know the answers until I see her on the other side.
Debra Colucci
September 11, 2002
Michele -
Every day I think of you and pray for you and your family. You and your dad will always hold a very special place in my heart. I have very fond memories of our time at Lake Naomi Pool and will never forget your smile and eyes that lit up the entire Pocono Mountains.
I pray for your mom and Nicole and the rest of your family that missed you so much.
God Bless you Michele. I know you are with your dad and he will take good care of you.
Tina Lewis
September 10, 2002
My name is Tina Lewis from Houston, Tx. I am part of a group of Catholic School teachers and students offering prayers for people who lost their right to life on Sept. 11. I drew Michelle's name and after reading the notes posted here about her and her family, I realize that I am praying for much more than Michelle.Whoever started this website earns a place in heaven too. It will allow Michelle, her dad, and all the others to continue into the future as something real. May God bless all of you and know that prayers will continue in offering.
Dawn Chumsky
August 21, 2002
Dear Hoffmann Family,
I'm sending my deepest condolences. Michelle was a very good friend of mine that I miss very much. she is constantly in my thoughts especially when I hear songs that remind me of her. Especially songs that the Band Orange Cone would sing. That is a band that michelle would have to see no matter where there would be playing, she would call me up and say, Dawn, you have to come with me The Orange Cone are playing and I can't miss them. We also went on a cruise a couple of years ago, also with gail, cindy and phaedra, A cruise that gave me so many memories that I will cherish forever. She is a beautiful person inside and out. She had something special about her that will mark peoples lives forever, especially mine. If there is anthing I could do for the rest of the family, I would love to. May Michelle and her Father rest in Peace as they brighten the sky in everyway. I love you michelle, and intil I see you again You will never be forgotten.
Derrick Van Vechten
March 11, 2002
The days have gone by, all of them too quickly...
I remember us together as if it were yesterday...
It is true yesterday is gone, but certainly not forgotten...
There is not a day in my life I do not think of you...
"You must have a lovely view in heaven, but I'd rather be with you..." JG
DVV
Jersey Shore 1994
Kimberly (Siversen) Burke
March 8, 2002
I first met Michelle in fifth grade. She was new and shy, and by far the prettiest girl in the class. In junior high and high school, we were “BFF” (Best Friends Forever) and occasionally, if one of us was mad at the other, we were reduced to “2ndBFF.” In seventh grade, we crimped our hair, parted it on the same side, and always wore the same frosty pink lip-gloss: #44. We never left the house without #44. I can remember dressing alike in 8th grade, and actually thinking that was “cool.” But then again so were Benetton sweatshirts and Z Cavaricci jeans. What did we know about fashion? It was the 80s.
We used to eat Melba rounds and cream cheese after school in her gray-carpeted room with mauve furniture while we listened to The Cure and Yaz "Upstairs at Eric's.” Our favorite song though was written the year we were born and later made famous by Kim Carnes. “Her hair is Harlow gold,” we used to sing and Michelle always giggled at the part, “Roll you like you were dice” as if she held a secret that I’d never know. I hadn’t seen Bette Davis’ eyes, but whatever they looked like, I assumed they were beautiful, and that Michelle had them.
Through his company, Michelle’s father Fred once got a limo to take us to see U2 at Madison Square Garden. And even though it was March, when we surfaced after the concert from a giddy, young girl-high, we discovered it was snowing outside. I’m 28 years old now, but I remember that concert and that fluffy, white unexpected snowfall as if it was yesterday.
During our senior year in high school, Michelle drove me and two other friends to Myrtle Beach where we spent a week falling asleep in the sun without sunscreen and using fake names when we met boys. I was Taylor. She was Dale. Michelle’s laugh was contagious, and one of my favorite photos of her is from when she fell onto the bed because she was laughing so hard in our cheap, Days Inn Hotel room that was a spring break palace to four, 17-year-old girls.
After we graduated high school and I moved to Florida, Michelle came to visit me in our Marco Island condo where she’d secretly smoke outside the window, and we’d spend hours trying to decide, “What’s next?” But we were only 18 then and didn’t decide until much later.
In 1994, I went back to the Jersey Shore to spend a week with Michelle and friends at their rented beach house. She looked the same: tan, blonde and still smiling. That was the last time I saw her. But even though growth, life and distance made it easy to lose touch throughout the years, she was never far from my thoughts. I’d even dream about her on occasion and wonder why, later realizing that when people comprise the landscape of your life, especially in your formative years, their memory never is obliterated by the passing of time.
On Sept. 11, my heart sunk at the possibility. I remained in denial because my thoughts turned to the always pleasant and kind Mrs. Hoffman. I then concluded that God would never be so cruel as to take a woman’s husband and daughter both on the same day. When my fears later were confirmed, the fact that I had not seen my old friend in years didn’t lessen the ache whenever I heard her laughing or realized for the first time that she would never get married or have children. I’d hear Fred’s voice from downstairs calling “Shelly!” when someone was at the door. “Do I have something in my teeth?” Michelle would ask, but then be laughing too hard to show me. It’s amazing how a voice from a decade ago can resonate so clearly in one’s mind.
With our 10-year high school reunion approaching, I wonder whether or not I should go, and also this: how has it been nearly a decade since we drove back to NJ from Myrtle Beach at 3 a.m. in Michelle’s white Grand Am, drinking diet Dr. Pepper and listening to the Red Hot Chili Peppers? My memories of Michelle represent much more than random thoughts of an old pal. In a way, they symbolize our youth and innocence, and always send me back to a time where our biggest fears culminated with a high-pitched, “Does he like me?” at a slumber party. I was no less ready to lose her as I was to relinquish the playful innocence we cultivate in youth and hopefully always carry somewhere in our hearts. After hearing of her death, I rushed home to my parent’s garage where my high-school memories aged in a cardboard box labeled, “stuff to keep.” I was overcome with the overwhelming urge to gather all the photos of Michelle in a desperate effort to sustain what I feared would be a fleeting memory. But after weeks of lamenting that Michelle would never get married or have children, and that I’d missed an opportunity to talk to my friend one last time, I am now more resolute than ever in preserving her memory as well as that of our youthful innocence that always manages to bring a smile. And with that, I hope I always hear the song of Michelle’s laughter in the back of my mind.
Helene Gnazzo
March 1, 2002
I had the opportunity of getting to know Michele through my husband John, I remember when I went up to the office one day and I met Michele, I said to John she is beautiful. Then we met up with Michele at a club down the Jersey shore as pretty as she was that's how nice she was with a smile that would brighten anyone's day. I can't believe this has happened my heart is so saddened. I believe Michele is with her dad, John and the rest of the Cantor crew trying to tell us that they are happy in eternal light laughing and watching over us. May Michele and her dad Fred R.I.P. My condolences to the Hoffman family. God bless!
Tommy Cosenza
February 21, 2002
Happy Birthday, Shelly. I miss you so much. We were more like brother and sister rather than cousins, you Nicole and myself. It was always the three of us and I still can't beleive you're not around for me to visit anymore at your desk. I will always cherish the days that you and I worked side by side. Not everyone got a chance to work with family, especially on top of the rest of the world like we did. I'd give anything to go back to all of our days down the Jersey shore, watching scary movies when our parents babysat each of us when we were younger or even just hanging out during the holiday dinner's. I talk to Tara about you alot and I can't beleive some of the things we remember about you. You are so missed. Tell uncle Fred I love him, and that I'll see you guys soon. Happy Birthday, baby. I love you.
zaborowski yvonne
February 8, 2002
My heart and my prayers go out to your family. Words can not express my sadness for you all. I grive with you. May God shine his light on your family.
Claudia Bedford
February 6, 2002
May God bless you and keep you. Please know you are in many people's prayers.
Larry Watson
February 4, 2002
My the lord hold you hand until you can be reunited with your daughter.
Blessings from North Carolina
Rinda Loftis
February 4, 2002
My heart pours out to this family.
All of you will be in my prayers.
God Bless You All!!!!!!
Michelle Florendo
February 4, 2002
God bless you and your family....
February 3, 2002
OH DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL YOUNG WOMAN MICHELE L.HOFFMANN AND MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS.GOD BLESS HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS.GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..MAY JESUS AND ST.MICHAEL GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN..AMEN
John Nahaczewski
January 28, 2002
Dear Mrs Hoffman and Nicole,I have met all of you a few times many years ago when I was in barkalow school with Michele and then became closer with her when we started taking the bus together. We met a few times after work and went to a christmas party together.And on the weekends sometimes we would meet up.I admired so much about her and so did my girlfriend. Me and my family pray for you often.We all live around each other and if we can do anything we would love to!
Amy Adler (Vlacich)
January 16, 2002
To Mrs. Hoffmann & Nicole,
Although I never met Michele or her dad, I was a good friend of Nicole's during our early days at SJV. When I recently read the SJV alumni newsletter, I was heartbroken when I read about your two great losses.
After reading the other Guest Book entries, Michele and her dad sound like they were wonderful people and I'm sorry I never knew them.
Both of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Amy Adler (Vlacich)
Debra Rosen(Gelber)
January 8, 2002
Dear Mrs.Hofffman & Nicole,
I have very warm memories of Michelle in grammar school. I always thought that she was the the most beautiful girl inside and out. I remember my friend Cori Elberger and I practicing for the talent show together(we never entered). I also remember The Triple Threats! The team was untouchable and Michelle was the star player. Unfortunately we never stayed in touch, but I still have memories and my childhood pictures to look at.
I am so sorry for all of your loses. I am sure that she is watching over your family right now.
Warm regards,
Debra Gelber
Frank Scognamgilio
January 7, 2002
Although I never met Fred, FT would talk about him and how much he respected and admired him. It warms my heart to know that FT, Michelle, and Fred are together in heaven watching over all of us.
Frank Scognamiglio
January 7, 2002
I knew Michelle through FT, my wife and I had so many good times with Michelle. One year we skipped the regular New Year's Eve party and went to the Poconos just the four of us. We had such a great time. She was a very bright and warm person. We miss her very much. She will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
Jill Aquilino
January 2, 2002
Michele was one of the most beautiful, fun, and kind women I knew. I have countless great memories of when her and my brother, FT, were dating and we would all go out together. We had our summers in Belmar and our winters at your gorgeous Pocono house. We cooked dinner at your home in Freehold and went shopping at the Freehold mall. Plus, Michele would always crash in my room whenever she would stay on Staten Island. We'd laugh about the night we just had and tell stories for hours. I miss them both terribly. Not a day goes by that my family and I do not think of Michele and her father. My brother had the utmost respect and admiration for Fred. We always smile when we think that FT, Fred, and Michele are together in heaven looking over us.
Tara Chiari (Aquilino)
January 2, 2002
Dear Gail and Nicole,
Just want you to know that I think of Michele and her Dad in my prayers every single day. I have nothing but happy memories of she and F.T. when they were dating. She was a truly stunning girl with eyes that glistened with kindness.
Although I didn't know Fred personally, F.T. always spoke very highly of him.
I remember one time my sister Jill and I stayed at your gorgeous house in the Poconos with Michele and F.T. We all admired Fred's fantastic wine collection (although I don't think we dared to touch it) and that cool poster with the wine labels.
There are days when I still just can't believe that Michele, Fred and my brother all became angels in Heaven at the same time. I'll always remember Michele fondly.
Teresa Jahn
December 28, 2001
What a beautiful lady with a dazzling, warm and caring smile. Such a smile can only be a reflection of her heart. We are very sorry for your loss of Michele and Mr. Hoffmann. May their lives and love live on in those who love them. 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
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