Joseph Bernard "Joe" Hoffman

Joseph Bernard “Joe” Hoffman passed away on December 11, 2018 in Nampa.  He was born December 8, 1929, to Franklin Martin Hoffman and Elizabeth Helen (Dassler) Hoffman in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and had two siblings, Charles Martin Hoffman and Elizabeth Ann Hoffman. Joe met and married Janice Pearl Shinafelt in 1962 and they had three children.

Joe acquired a love of flying at an early age and achieved licensure as a private pilot at the age of 16.  Upon graduation from high school in 1947 Joe felt a calling to religious life and entered the seminary of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales in Childs Maryland.  After a year, he decided that life wasn’t for him.

Joe enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1950 and spent much of his enlistment at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington.  He then attended Drexel University in Philadelphia, graduating in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering.  Joe then commenced his lifelong career in the aviation and aerospace industry, beginning with Douglas Aircraft Company in Santa Monica, California.  While at Douglas, Joe worked on many projects, including civil and military aircraft, as well as spacecraft.  He spent time at White Sands Missile range in New Mexico and Cape Canaveral, Florida, becoming familiar with the original NASA astronauts.  In between, he earned a Masters’ Degree in Engineering from California State University at Long Beach.  Joe retired from Douglas in 1984, but his career had yet to reach its high point.

Northrup Grumman was working to develop the B-2 Stealth Bomber, and desperately needed an expert to lead the development and implementation of the specialized windscreen for the plane.  Joe emerged from retirement to successfully lead that effort while consulting on other projects, and then retired again in 1994.   

Later, Joe and Janice moved to Nampa, with Janice passing away in 2004.  He then met Mary Keys, and they were married in 2005.  Joe’s family and circle of friends expanded exponentially after their marriage, and Joe and Mary enjoyed many good times with friends and family over the ensuing years. 

He was active in Saint Paul’s Catholic Church and in the local community.  Joe enjoyed traveling, reading, golfing, playing bridge and pinochle, hiking, and working out at the rec center.  He and Mary had great times in Hawaii, Alaska, Mt. Rushmore, Yosemite Park and other destinations, but especially loved spending time at the cabin in Pioneerville.  Joe thoroughly enjoyed a trip to the National Air and Space Museums and the Air Force Museum a few years back, where he was reacquainted with several projects he worked on during his career.

 Joe is survived by his wife, Mary, his sister, Elizabeth Ann Hoffman of Santa Monica, California, 3 children (Laura, James, and Joseph), 6 grandchildren (Brandon (Patty), Ryan, Dustin, Mathew, Alexandra (Brent), and Isabella, 2 great-grandsons, Liam and Caiden, and the extended Keys family.

The family is grateful for the special care from many doctors, nurses and caregivers that Joe received during his long struggle with Parkinson’s.  We would especially like to acknowledge Dr. Clinger, Dr. Agnew, Irene, Shannon, Nancy V., Sophia, Michael, Bud, Gina, and Nancy M. from Doctors Hospice, along with Patty Shaver, Joe’s special angel & caregiver.

In lieu of flowers, the family would request donations to Joe’s favorite charity, the St. Paul’s Education Foundation or a charity of your choice.

A viewing will be held on Monday, Dec. 17, 2018 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM followed by a recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 PM at the Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 AM Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018 at Saint Paul’s Catholic Church, Nampa. Burial will follow with military honors in the Mount Calvary Cemetery, Nampa. An online guest book is available at www.nampafuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph Bernard "Joe" Hoffman, please visit our floral store.