Mathias E. Hoffman Jr.

Mathias E. Hoffman, Jr., 97, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 27, 2024.
Born on October 9, 1927, in Chicago, Illinois, Mathias grew up in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, as the cherished only child of his parents, Mathias and Loretta (Beringer) Hoffman. Mathias attended Georgia Tech for his bachelor's degree in civil engineering, before completing his master's degree science at the University of Illinois. His academic achievements laid the foundation for a remarkable career dedicated to engineering and service.
During the Cold War, Mathias proudly served in the United States Army as a cartographer. Stationed at the Pentagon, he worked on top secret maps after the Korean war, being discharged in 1956. Mathias began his professional journey as a structural engineer at Douglas Aircraft in California. His career later took him to Detroit, where he worked for an asphalt company as a civil engineer. Ultimately, he joined Chrysler Defense, which later became General Dynamics, where he served as a structural engineering manager. Mathias's expertise contributed to the development of the armor for the M1 and M1A1 tanks, a legacy of innovation and excellence that endures.
On April 27, 1957, Mathias married the love of his life, Joan Nowacki, in Detroit, Michigan. Together, they shared 67 beautiful years of marriage, a partnership marked by love, adventure, and dedication. Joan preceded him in death on September 29, 2024, and their reunion in eternity brings comfort to those who mourn his loss.
After their marriage in 1957, Joan and Mathias built and settled in their first home in Southfield. In 1966 they moved to a beautiful home in Birmingham to raise their family and finally settled in a home on Maceday Lake in Waterford during their retirement years. Maceday Lake became a beloved family gathering place each 4th of July, as well as the perfect spot for innumerable birthday, graduation, and anniversaries to be celebrated. Most recently Joan and Matt moved into a condo in Farmington Hills to be closer to two of their daughters.
Joan and Matt were avid travelers, exploring Europe, Turkey, Russia, Canada, Mexico, and innumerous areas of the United States together. They wintered in Florida for more than 30 years, enjoying the sunshine, walks on the beach, and also welcoming family to join them each winter for a few weeks.
Matt was known for his love for food, politics, and his beloved wife Joan who he lovingly referred to as his "darling wife". A man of unwavering integrity, kindness, and dedication, Mathias will be remembered for his remarkable intellect, his quick wit, his service to his country, and his devotion to family. His life was a testament to the values of hard work and love.
Mathias is the beloved husband of 67 years to the late Joan; loving father of Loretta Hoffman, Elaine Hoffman and Nancy Richardson (Edward) and the late James Anthony Hoffman; cherished grandfather of Joshua and Genevieve Richardson.
The Hoffman family will receive friends Monday, January 6, 3-8 pm, at the funeral home. A funeral service led by Fr. Thomas Belczak will begin at 6:30 pm Monday evening, with light refreshments to follow in the funeral home lounge.
Please keep the Hoffman and Richardson families in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.