Chester Hoffman

Chester A. Hoffman, Jr. of Delran passed away on May 18, 2015 with his family beside him, from a short, but gallant battle with metastatic pancreatitis cancer. He was 77 years old.
Born, prematurely on June 24, 1937, Chester was known affectionately as “Tiny”, by his close family members because when he was born, his father said he was so tiny, that he could fit in a shoebox.

Chester grew up on the Delanco riverbank, making life-long friends and years of memories. The legend has it that when he was 12 years old, he swam all the way across the Delaware River, and never stopped for a break. Chester enjoyed spending his days hunting and fishing along the Delaware River and Rancocas Creek.

In 1955, Chester graduated from Palmyra High School, were he enjoyed playing basketball and running track. Chester enjoyed over 42 years as a PSE&G employee, retiring in 1999, as a Chief Lineman. He was a 70 year member of St. Peter’s Church in Riverside.

In 1959, Chet met the love of his life, Barbara L. Van Geel, at the Dancette Ballroom, in Camden. Stating that she was the best dancer in the whole place, they were married for over 50 years, until Barbara’s death in 2012.

Chet and Barbara were preceded in death by their son, David Brian in 1968. They are survived by their six children, Jeffrey Hoffman, Christopher Hoffman, Deborah Wigmore (Donald Clauso), Colleen Forgash (Gerald), Jennifer Roman (Roberto) and Sharon Andress (Kurt). Proud Pop-pop of Brandi Ethier, Melissa Drumheller (Jeffrey), Shelby Wigmore, Kayla Clauso, Sara Wigmore, Reed Andress, Evan Andress, Luke Andress, Robbie Roman, and Jena Andress. Great- Pop-pop to Brian Ethier Jr, and another little boy due in July.

Come celebrate 77 great years Friday 7-9 p.m. and Saturday 9-10 a.m. at Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside. Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 a.m. at Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, St. Peter’s Church, Riverside. Interment St. Peter’s Cemetery.

Our family would like to thank all family and friends from Delran, Delanco, and Audubon who loved their unannounced visits from our Dad. You brought great joy to his life.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations can be made to the PSE&G Employee Crisis Fund at www.cfnj.org/pseg.