Albert HOFFMAN

Albert Hoffman Resident of Walnut Creek Passed away peacefully on June 4, 2010 at the age of 96 with family at his bedside. He is survived by Thelma, his wife of 72 years; and sons Ken, Bud, and David; and daughters-in-law Jan and Bee. He was cherished by his grandchildren: Lisa and her husband Troy, Joel and his wife Cindy, Donna and her husband-to-be Kevin, and Lauren; and his great-granddaughter Sabrina. Al was born in San Francisco and lived, between the ages of five and seventeen, at Homewood Terrace, a Jewish orphanage. His first job was sweeping floors in a jewelry store. At the age of 26, with borrowed money and a pregnant wife, he opened his first business, a wholesale paper supply company, Allied Paper Company. A born entrepreneur, he later founded Betty Lou Foods and Wallpapers Inc., which, 25 years later, spawned Wallpapers To Go, which became the largest retailer of wallpapers in the U.S. Al retired from the business world in 1980, to concentrate on his hobby, horse racing. At the peak, he and Thelma owned about 25 thoroughbreds, which he raced at Golden Gate Fields and other tracks. Al was a generous, kind and loving man, totally devoted to his family. Funeral services will be held at Home of Eternity, 5000 Piedmont Ave., Oakland at 11:00am on Wednesday, June 9. In lieu of flowers, donations would be much appreciated to: Reutlinger Community for Jewish Living, 4000 Camino Tassajara, Danville, CA 94506.