Harold Hoffman, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2025, at the age of 91, after a brief illness. Hal's life was defined by deep love, unwavering dedication to family, and an endless curiosity for how things work—and how to fix them.

Born on April 13, 1934 in New Haven Connecticut to Jewish immigrants Joseph Hoffman and Hannah Wolf Hoffman. He was affectionately known by his childhood nickname, "Cookie," a name that stayed with him through college. He graduated from Hillhouse High School where he was on the swim team. He then attended The University of Connecticut and Quinnipiac College. Hal then proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a helicopter mechanic.

At just 15 years old, Hal met Renate Engel, the girl who would become the love of his life. Their teenage romance blossomed into an extraordinary marriage that spanned over 70 years.

Hal was a natural mechanic and an instinctive problem solver. He owned and operated several businesses over the years—always hands-on, always inventive. If something was broken, Hal could fix it. Beyond his professional life, he pursued his many interests with joy and intensity: he held a private pilot's license for a time, built a darkroom for photography, and played poker. He was also an avid golfer, tennis player, dog lover and a talented trumpet player who never lost his ear for music. He also lived by the motto "life's too short to drive a boring car"

Above all, Hal was devoted to his family. Hal is survived by his beloved wife Re, his daughter Pam Skorupski of Southbury, his son Adam Hoffman (so Jennifer Ruta) of Wallingford CT, his grandchildren Jason Skorupski of Southbury CT, Rachel Hoffman Miller (sp Chris) of Bethany, CT, Barbara Hoffman Duer (fiancé Chase Hodges) of Mt. Dora, FL along with great grandchildren Hannah Skorupski, Jacob Ernsteins and Jackson Miller, sister-in-law Silvia Saslow of Wellen Park, FL. Nephews Steve Godfrey (sp Tricia) of Cheshire, CT, Stephen Saslow (sp Lori) of North Port FL, Glenn Saslow (sp Mary) of Sarasota FL and niece Ellen Godfrey McCarthy (sp Peter) of Medfield, MA

He leaves behind a large extended family of great-nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends—each of whom knew Hal as the man who could make them laugh, fix what was broken, and show up when it mattered most.

Hal was predeceased by his grandson Michael Skorupski, his sister Vera Godfrey and husband Bernard, brother-in-law Alan Saslow and niece Linda Godfrey.

Hal will be laid to rest with Military Honors at the Connecticut State  Military Cemetery, 317 Bow Ln, Middletown, CT 06457 On Monday August 11, 2025 at noon. Following the service all guests are welcome to gather at Adam and Jen's home at 7 Windswept Hill Rd, Wallingford, CT 06492.

In the Jewish tradition, following a death, family members will sit shiva to mourn the loss and visit with those who wish to honor the deceased. The family will sit shiva at Adam's home from 5-8 p.m. on Monday August 11th and Tuesday, August 12th. All are welcome to come and share their favorite memories of Hal.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the remarkable team at Yale New Haven Hospital, especially those in the Emergency Room and Cardiac Care Unit, for their compassion and excellent care in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Hal's memory be made to The Wounded Warrier Project or Loyal Paws Rescue & Sanctuary (the 501(c)(3) non-profit his daughter founded) These causes were close to his heart.