Walter O. Hoffman

Hopedale - Walter O. Hoffman, a beloved member of the Hopedale community, passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at the age of 90. He was a devoted husband to his one and only love, the late Carol S. (Shuckle) Hoffman, and a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Born in Canajoharie, NY, Walter was the son of the late Walter R. Hoffman and Dorothy (Gardinier) Hoffman. He was an outstanding athlete in high school and college. His most cherished memory, among many from those days, was pitching a perfect game and the attention that followed from Major League Baseball scouts. Walter decided instead to pursue a career in business. He attended the University of Maryland, where he met his wife Carol and then graduated from Boston College. Walter had a successful career at Raytheon Company, where he worked as an executive for 32 years in the Missile Systems Division. At Raytheon, well before computers, he was part of the team that successfully developed what is now commonly known as the Patriot Missile.
Walter was not only dedicated to his work, but also to his community. He served on the Hopedale School Committee and coached Little League baseball for many years. He was an avid fan of the Hopedale Blue Raiders baseball team. After retiring from Raytheon, he followed his interest in guns of the "Old West" and their history. He became a member, and eventually the president, of the Winchester Arms Collector Association, an international non-profit organization for the preservation of Winchester firearms. In his time with W.A.C.A, Walter was a leading authority on authenticating antique Winchester rifles and Colt pistols and determining their historical significance.
In their free time, Walter and Carol enjoyed spending time with their family, especially at their second home on Lake Winnipesaukee in Meredith, N.H. In their retirement, Walter and Carol explored North America by RV with their much-loved cat, Bogey, and made many lasting friendships and memories along the way.
Walter is survived by his two sons, W. Gary Hoffman M.D., and M. Scott Hoffman; his three daughters, Deborah C. Ricciarelli, Victoria H. Banahan, and Cynthia L Bresciani; their spouses Ericka Hoffman, Carla Hoffman, Michael Banahan, and Thomas Bresciani; his brother-in-law Fred Romani, 15 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Carol, his brother Ronald Hoffman, his sister Karen Romani, his son-in-law Louis Ricciarelli Jr., and his granddaughter Alexandra Hoffman.
Walter is affectionately known as a great man. He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched with his presence, his wisdom, and his love. May he forever rest in peace.
A memorial service will be held to celebrate Walter's life at the Union Evangelical Church on April 20th at 11:00 am. He will be laid to rest with his wife Carol in a private ceremony at the Hopedale Village Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Milford Humane Society, P.O. Box 171, Medway, MA 02053. www.bumafuneralhome.com