Dr. Joseph Hoffman, 67, passed away on August 8, 2026 in Madison, Alabama after a short battle with cancer.
Joe was born January 3, 1959 in Joliet, Illinois, the eldest son of the late Donald and Patricia Hoffman. He attended the University of Notre Dame, graduating in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, continuing at ND to complete his Master’s and PhD in Aerospace Engineering. While at Notre Dame, he met his wife and best friend, Kathy, and they married on October 23, 1982.
After completing graduate school, Joe and Kathy moved to Seattle where he worked at the Boeing Company. His 35-year career with Boeing took him from Seattle to Washington D.C. and finally to Huntsville, Alabama. After retiring from Boeing, he worked for Georgia Tech Research Institute until his retirement in 2025.
Of all the titles he held during his life, Husband, Father, and Papa were his three favorites. He was a devoted husband to his wife for more than 43 years, a wonderful father to his beloved daughter Christina, and the best papa and friend for his much- loved grandchildren, Luke and Grace.
The thread that connected Joe’s life at every stage was his passion for helping others. Whether by coaching Catholic Youth Organization sports teams or mentoring his work colleagues, he made time to guide and nurture those around him. He was an active member of several Catholic parishes throughout the years, leading committees, participating in the school board, and working on social events and fundraisers. His family and friends knew that Joe would jump in to help with any task, always trying to make sure everyone felt welcomed, happy, and supported. He will be very missed by all who knew him.
Joe is predeceased by his parents, Don and Pat. He is survived by his loving wife Kathy, his daughter Christina Walaski (John), and grandchildren Luke and Grace Walaski. He is also survived by his brothers, Tom, Dave (Carrie), Bob (Shelly), and John Hoffman, by his sisters-in-law Anne (Chris) Fisher and Therese Sawtell, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
The Funeral Mass for Joe will be celebrated at 11 AM Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Most Merciful Jesus Catholic Church in Madison, AL, 10509 Segers Road, Madison, AL, with a short visitation beginning at 10:30 AM. Joe preferred to not wear black or ties, so no need to wear either!
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Most Merciful Jesus Parish Capital Campaign to help construct the new church building, a cause he worked for and prayed over for the past ten years.
