Reverend Howard Matthias Hoffman

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.

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!

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...

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.

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,...

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...

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.

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

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.