Herbert S. Hoffman, III (“Stewart” or “Stu”), 74, passed away in his home on Wednesday, November 14, 2018 from complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a condition he had fought for many years. He is predeceased by his parents, Herbert and Gloria, and siblings Alice McCormick (Jim), Paula (“Polly”), and Geoffrey (“Geoff”). He is survived by his beloved, loving, and devoted wife of 50 years, Rosemary; children Amanda McGoff (Kevin), Theodore (Brooke), and Jessica Jones (Christopher); siblings David (Prudence), Damian (Shawn), Hilary McCain, and Joan St. Claire; along with numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Originally from New Jersey, Stewart graduated in 1968 with a degree in Psychology from The College of the Holy Cross, where he Commanded the Naval ROTC Battalion. Immediately before graduation, Stewart “carried off his bride” (as he liked to say), who patiently waited for four years to marry him while he finished his education. Those two things accomplished, he received his commission as an Ensign in the Navy and began a career that would take him and his family to locations near and far, with many adventures along the way.
Winning his Wings of Gold as a pilot in 1969, Stewart served as a P-3 Aircraft Commander stationed at Moffett Federal Airfield, California. He deployed to the Philippines, Okinawa, and Japan in support of the war effort in Viet Nam. During this tour he flew combat support operations from detachments in Utapo, Thailand; Agana, Guam; and Tainan, Taiwan. Future posts included NAS Whiting Field, Milton, FL; the USS Saratoga; NAS Jacksonville, FL; Commander, Fleet Air, Mediterranean (COMFAIRMED) at NSA Naples, Italy; and Naval Station Rota Spain. During his career Stewart transitioned to flying the C-130 Hercules (affectionately known as the “Herc”), both for service missions and in his capacity as instructor of rising aviators and flight officers. His excellent service was recognized several times over the years, receiving the coveted Navy “E” for his team’s performance on the USS Saratoga, and twice receiving the Navy Commendation Medal during his time stationed in the Mediterranean.
While an extremely talented aviator, Stewart considered himself a writer and teacher at heart. Upon retiring to Milton at the rank of Lieutenant Commander with his wife and children, he continued his education at the University of West Florida (UWF), receiving an additional Bachelor’s degree in English Education, which he later parlayed into a Master’s degree in English Literature. At UWF, Stewart won the Laurie O'Brien award for a non-fiction memoir. He also had a short story published in a literary journal and a memoir published in a military magazine. He never stopped writing and teaching. A devoted Catholic, Stewart’s service to his community included various roles at the Milton Pregnancy Resource Center and the Knights of Columbus Council 7027. He generously served his parish community at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church for over 20 years, donating his time and talents to the music ministry, annual Fall Festival, Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD), Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), and more.
The family extends its special thanks to Emerald Coast Hospice and West Florida Home Care Services for the compassionate, efficient, and loving care shown to Stewart, easing some of the difficulty and greatly increasing Stewart’s comfort in the final stages of his illness. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 27 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Milton, with visitation at 9:00 a.m. and Mass at 10:00 a.m. After a reception, interment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery at NAS Pensacola. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, the University of West Florida, or the American Lung Association.