J. Bruce Hoffmann

J. Bruce Hoffmann entered the gates of the Lord on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at home with his family by his side. Bruce was born on August 20, 1947, in the Naval Hospital of Staten Island, New York, to John and Beatrice Hoffmann. In the first half of first grade, he moved with his family to Miami Springs, Florida, and was proud to grow up in "Mia-muh," as he affectionately called his hometown. He was industrious at a young age, holding several jobs including delivering newspapers to caddying for a golf course. In the summers, he enjoyed working on boats with his uncles in New York. In High School, Bruce was an honors student, a competitive swimmer, and a member of the debate team. He graduated from Miami Jackson Senior High School in 1965.

Bruce was awarded academic scholarships and attended the University of Florida, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Advertising in the College of Journalism. During his time as an undergraduate student, Bruce was a Varsity Cheerleader, an active member of Theta Chi Fraternity, and was selected for Florida Blue Key. Upon graduation, Bruce served as a Field Secretary for Theta Chi International. He returned to the University of Florida to study in the College of Law, earning his Juris Doctorate in 1974. During this time, he became a member of the Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity which is committed to scholastic and honorable achievement and professional ethics.

Bruce began his legal career in Miami specializing in Construction-related commercial litigation and probate litigation. He was well known for his civic service as a charter member of the Coconut Grove Jaycees, serving on the Junior Orange Bowl Committee, and serving as a dedicated member of Leadership Miami. In 1988, Bruce was elected to the Florida House of Representatives for District 114. He was honored as Legislator of the Year by numerous associations and was re-elected for a second term. Despite his distinguished service, Bruce would always joke the best part of his legislative time was serving on the House Telecommunications Committee where he met Marion Spiegel, who was representing Florida Cable Television Association. They were married 1991 in Gainesville, Florida with a reception following overlooking Florida Field.

In 1998, Bruce was overjoyed to become a father with the birth of his only son, Travis Eugene. In 2000, Bruce and his family moved to Tallahassee, when he became part of the Bush Administration serving as the General Counsel for Florida Department of Management Services and Florida Department of Revenue. In 2011, Bruce was honored to be selected by Secretary Cynthia O'Connell to serve as the Chief of Staff for the Florida Lottery. Every organization he joined he made better and stronger as a true public servant.

Upon retirement Bruce remained active both civically and personally and enjoyed mentoring young people. He served as a volunteer leader for Cub Scouts Pack 10 and Boy Scouts Troop 10, where he was proud to assist Travis in earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Always a proud Gator, he served as President of the Gator Clubs of Miami and Tallahassee, was a member of the Florida President's Council, and was a longtime Gator Boosters Scholarship Club member and an avid member of the Porche Club of America.

Those that knew him personally, remarked of Bruce's great patriotism, loyalty, love of dogs, fondness for western and John Wayne movies, classical and country music, BBQ and Blue Bell Ice Cream.

Bruce was a dedicated son, assisting his mother who passed early in the year at the young age of 107. Bruce is survived by his wife, Marion (Spiegel) Hoffmann, his son Travis Hoffmann (Carol Frances Shaw), his new granddaughter, Frances Marion Hoffmann, and his brother-in-law Geoff Spiegel (Glenna Venoy), sister-in-law Kathy Spiegel, cousins Paulette Powell and Valerie Tudor, and the members of the Shaw and Moore Families in Tallahassee and his many friends and colleagues who were like family to him.

Bruce's family wishes to thank the incredible healthcare team both at UF Health and in Tallahassee and the compassionate caregivers and members of Big Bend Hospice who served him until his final day.

A memorial service will be held Friday, December 5th at 1pm at St. Peter's Anglican Cathedral. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his name to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation or the Hamilton Center at the University of Florida.

Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Hoffman family with their arrangements.