Anthony John Hoffman
March 04, 1956 - July 11, 2004
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Anthony John Hoffman
March 04, 1956 - July 11, 2004
Obituary
Anthony J. Hoffman, III passed away suddenly due to heart failure on Sunday, July 11, 2004 at a favorite beach near his home in Mission Viejo, California. AJ was a world renowned expert on antique locks and the history of interchangeable core cylinders and key systems. Fluent in six languages, AJ was also an accomplished linguist and musician, singing tenor and providing pronunciation guidance for Pacific Chorale, one of America’s most respected and accomplished professional choruses. He is survived by his wife Vivian.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM, Sunday, July 18th, 2004 at:
O?Connor Mortuary
25301 Alicia Pkwy
Laguna Hills, CA
Tel: 949-581-4300
A reception will follow.
There will also be a memorial service at the Associated Locksmiths of America ALOA Convention the following week.
The funeral and memorial will be a causal gathering to create a mosaic of memories of AJ’s life. If you have a memory that you would like to be part of the ceremony and cannot attend, feel free to send it via email to vivhoffman@aol.com or use the guest register at www.XAA1.com
In lieu of flowers, Vivian would like to establish a scholarship fund to pass on AJ’s passion for locks and his love of learning to the next generation. Donations can be sent to
ALOA Scholarship Foundation
AJ Hoffman Memorial Education Fund
3003 Live Oak Street
Dallas, TX 75204
If you are using a check, please make it payable to the ALOA Scholarship Fund and add a memo on the check indicating that it is for the AJ Hoffman CML Memorial Education Fund. Information about the fund will be available in ALOA’s keynotes magazine.
38 responses to Anthony John Hoffman
Jean and Carl Badger says:
July 15, 2004
Dearest Viv,
Please know how devastated we are – for ourselves and for you. AJ was such an important part of our lives and we will miss him so much. Please stay in touch;we hope to see you on our next CA trip. Our thoughts are with you!
Love, Badger and Jean
Keith Moses says:
July 15, 2004
AJ & I started @ odds over W.G.Co. Best padlock. I would out bid him on ebay. As I got to know him, we became friends. The last time I was with him we were laughing. I was hurt deeply @ his passing. I pray his is with our LORD.
Charleen Rice Calif. State Univ. - Long Beach says:
July 16, 2004
Was very saddened to hear of AJ’s passing. We have taken several classes over the years that AJ has taught. He always passed on his wealth of knowledge and passion about locks and key systems whether Corbin or Schlage. He will definitely be missed in the locksmithing community.
Harry De La Concha says:
July 16, 2004
To the extented family of A.J. Hoffman, It is with the most saddest of hearts, that I deeply regret and lament the passing of out dear Brother A.J. Whom I only wish could have spent more time on this old earth with us all. In this Earthly life A.J. made time for everyone. No matter who you were, rich or poor, black or white, educated or not. Professional or just a common joe, A.J. was always there for everyone that needed him. So it is with this greatest of pain in my heart, soul and body, That I speak of this Great man. Who taught me as much about locks as he did about life and tolerance and acceptance of all God’s children. With pen in hand and a very heavy heart, I say to my brother A.J. who will always be a good and beloved friend, mentor and pal. Not good-bye, but instead I say to him with full honesty and confidence, Fare well for now. Till we see you again in all of God’s splendor in Paradise high above!
Your Loving Brother Always,
And forever,
Harry
Jeff Strumberger says:
July 16, 2004
AJ visited the Milwaukee area for the 1st time early this month and was a welcome guest in my home as he viewed and documented my collection. His quick wit and infectious sense of humor will keep me smiling as I remember him and the times we shared. The lock collecting community will be forever changed by his presence and saddened by his loss.