Jon Howard Hofmann

Jon Howard Hofmann, 73, a longtime resident of Tinicum Township, passed on from this world peacefully in his sleep at home in his bed in the evening hours of July 2, 2023.
Born March 30th, 1950, Jon spent his youth in Drexel Hill, where his early passion for cars and motorcycles led him to find work in the auto body business at a young age. His drive allowed him to hone a craft as a skilled and accomplished composite fabricator, a trade that would eventually take him from the humble Drexel Hill gas stations where he began, on to bigger repair shops where he specialized for some time in Corvettes, until finally turning his attention to the sky, going on to do composite work on helicopters at the Boeing Company for several decades until his retirement in the 2010s.
Jon was known for his eclectic nature, quick wit, charisma, generous heart, handsome features, and the care and effort he so often showed for others. He particularly loved spending time in nature, enjoying the tranquility, solitude, and relaxation that fishing provided him throughout his entire life, and he took up the hobby of Surf Fishing with great success during the second half of his life. A lifelong Motorcyclist, Jon rode Harley Davidson motorcycles from the early days of his youth and up until the final year of his life.
Jon was an extremely talented writer and artist, drawing in many different mediums, as well as an astute painter, woodworker, and engineer, who often could be found inventing his own tools to assist with any of the former. He enjoyed building anything, especially things he knew would bring joy or comfort to others, such as the many dog houses he built in recent years. Though the love he had for building things was great, it wouldn't amount to half of the love he had for taking things apart. Jon possessed an ever-curious mind, always needing to understand the inner workings of everything, and sometimes even everyone, around him. His skills, mastered over time in his trade, and later in his garage, led to some modest fame after his retirement, in at least one key demographic. Jon was adored by many of the neighborhood children for always taking time out from what he was doing to fix any one of the many bikes and scooters that showed up at his garage doors throughout the years.
Drafted into service at the age of 18, Jon was a Veteran of the Vietnam War. During his time in the Army, he rose in rank to Corporal, receiving numerous medals and accommodations throughout his tour of duty, concluding with a Purple Heart which was awarded to him after an altercation that caused Jon to be blown up, twice, and take a cigarette lighter sized piece of shrapnel to his leg. As a result of such, he was released from his last 27 days of service and sent home. Back in the States all the Medals and Honors brought him little solace or comfort, because he, like so many others he served with, left behind a piece of himself in that jungle, all while fighting the wars of other men. Jon channeled his post-war pain, anger, and trauma into service for fellow Veterans. He was able to eventually find some comfort in helping those that had and still were experiencing the same nightmares he was forced to endure.
Jon became involved in several organizations that helped Veterans, such as the Wounded Warrior Project, while also finding time to volunteer with The Special Olympics for more than three decades. Jon was always quick to lend a hand to those in need and to do whatever he could for the people that he cared about.
Fatherhood, Jon often stated, was what had saved him from the demons that War had left behind, and it was the act of being a good Father to his son that brought him peace in the face of the ever-present trauma inflicted by his past. That's why, above all his other skills, accomplishments, and accolades, Jon was first and foremost a truly great Father to his one and only son, Jon. At times having to surmount tremendous personal hurdles in order to be someone he felt his son could look up to. Never judgmental, always kind and supportive to his son throughout their entire relationship, Jon and Jon got along famously, except for when they didn't. Still, they never spent too much time letting each of their larger-than-life personalities get in the way of the one-of-a-kind bond that they shared. Jon was a proud and loving Father up until the day of his passing, and for every place in his home dedicated to one of his accomplishments, he made sure there were two more spots dedicated to the accomplishments of his Son.
Jon is predeceased by his Father, James Edward Hofmann, and Mother, L. Jayne Hofmann (Bussard). He is survived by his ever-present furry friend and loyal companion Jinx (Jinxy) Hofmann, who, per Jon's wish, will be looked after and cared for in lavish excess by members of his immediate family; his sister Dr. Jo Hofmann and her wife Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo; close friend and confidant, Sue Rizzo. Jon is also survived by his and Sue's son, his namesake, and former co-worker, Jon Rizzo Hofmann. Last but not least, Jon is survived by the many fellow Veterans he kept in contact with, as well as a multitude of friends and countless former co-workers, many of whom he tolerated often, sometimes even going as far as learning to enjoy their company, all of which for their own various reasons loved him and will miss him dearly.
A Celebration of Jon's Life will be held on Friday, July 28th, from 3 pm to 7 pm at the two following locations:
The memorial service begins at the Lazaretto Ballroom in Tinicum Township at 3 pm. Out of respect for those who wish to attend but do not partake in Alcohol, this first half of the event will be dry. The memorial service will go from 3 pm and conclude at 5 pm, during which catered food and light refreshments will be available. A eulogy will be performed at 4 pm by his son Jon, after which, anyone who wishes to share any parting words or stories is also encouraged and welcomed to do so.
The celebration of Jon's life will then continue a few blocks away at the Tinicum VFW, starting at 5 pm and going until 7 pm. This part of the event will include alcohol as well as light food.
All who know Jon and wish to commemorate his life well lived are welcome to attend either one or both events.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jon's name to the following charitable organizations which were near and dear to his heart:
The Wounded Warrior Project
https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/default.aspx
The Special Olympics*
https://support.specialolympics.org/a/give-in-your-state-match?state=pa&sourceid=1041182&ms=google-pennsylvania&gad=1
*All donations made to The Special Olympics are currently being matched in full, so any donation made will be doubled, and can help twice as many athletes.
Or feel free to donate to any other charity near and dear to your own heart that helps others in need.
Jon's family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to everyone who has already shared their condolences, and all who have offered their support throughout this time of loss and sorrow. A special thanks goes out to all of the First Responders and Police Officers from Tinicum Township and the surrounding townships who lent their aid on July 2nd. And one last and final thank you must be given to Cavanagh Funeral Home, as they have gone above and beyond expectations, and have provided a source of great help and comfort throughout these difficult times.