David Neil Hoffman's Obituary
David Neil Hoffman, 73, of Clairton, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, September 5, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. David was born on December 1, 1951, the son of the late John W. and Winifred C. (Stein) Hoffman.
After graduating from Clairton High School in 1969, David worked at Marraccini's grocery store, where he met a young cashier named Carol. Using his trademark gift of gab, he wooed her into what became a lifelong marriage. That same charisma shaped his sales career, spanning industrial products early on and later retail, until his retirement from Levin Furniture. His peers would often joke that he could sell sand on a beach.
David was a masterful raconteur. To hear his stories and assessments of situations could often leave one with sore ribs or hiccups from laughing so hard. His family and friends were in for a good laugh when he held court. As grandchildren entered his life, he would amuse them with stories and actions that would make those little ones laugh, and in some cases mimic later in the day after he was long gone with the parents asking, "Where did you learn that?" The kids would reply "Papa Hoffman!"
David also loved numismatics. He was extremely knowledgeable and was quick to point out currency values and what is special about a pre-1964 quarter or a penny minted in San Francisco. No pile of change or cash drawer was immune. If he saw any hint of something valuable when receiving change, he would politely ask to buy the entire drawer. He once even made a trip to a local bank to buy out a Subway cash drawer!
David loved music from the 1960s. He would often be heard randomly singing along. He was blessed with a powerful voice that would carry. He frequently figured out a way to break into song lyrics with random situations or things he would encounter. We weren't sure if the songs actually existed, but they sure sounded like they may have. Furthermore, as a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Clairton, his singing could be heard from all over the church due to his magnificent voice! He loved God and was a faithful man who ignited the world with his voice and his expressions of his faith.
In his retirement years, David mastered making pizzelles. He would make them for days for his neighbors, family, friends, and his favorite mailman. Those pizzelles would come to be known as "the best pizzelles in the whole world," by his grandchildren and anyone who tasted one. The delivery of pizzelles would be followed by his biggest and best hug. He loved making people happy with those deliveries.
David cherished making the best cup of coffee for his wife every morning. He loved delivering it to her like the queen he wanted her to feel like. It did not matter how he felt or his physical condition, he made that coffee happen and her happiness at wake-up was his priority. This was true through his last day. He delivered this with a smile and could be heard singing in those early morning hours. You could catch him dancing if you managed to wake up early enough.
David is survived by his beloved wife, Carol Ann (Polinsky) Hoffman and his loving children, Eric (Amanda) Hoffman and Lori (Kevin) Edkins. David was the cherished grandfather of Emily and Sadie Hoffman and Michael and Alexandra Edkins and the brother of Dennis Hoffman, the late Mark (Marianne) Hoffman and Jay (Cheryl) Hoffman. He also leaves his sister-in-law, Rose (Frank) Simpson; his all-around good pal, Mike Ference and several nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his beloved dog Star.
Relatives and friends are invited to join the family to celebrate David's life on Friday, September 12, 2025, from 1:00 - 3:00 pm at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236. A service in honor of David will be held in the funeral home's chapel at 3:00 pm. Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the Family.
To leave online condolences please visit https://www.jeffersonmemorial.com
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