Madison County is mourning the loss of longtime resident and community contributor Steve Hoffman.
Steven “Steve” Hoffman passed away last week at the age of 80. He spent decades in the county, working and volunteering. He became a member of the Madison County Volunteer Fire Company at 15 years old in 1960. According to the fire company, he served in many roles including assistant marshal, assistant engineer, sergeant and lieutenant, dedicating a combined total of 31 years in leadership positions. He was a life member of the company and received an axe in 2015 thanking him for his years of service. In October, he was honored for 65 years of service, along with Jack Fray, who celebrated 70 years and Billy Coppage, 65 years.
“Steve’s commitment, service and friendship left a lasting impact on our department and our community,” fire company officials said. “He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of serving alongside him.”
Hoffman was also a lifetime member of the Madison County Volunteer Rescue Squad where he served for 10 years and was a lifetime member of the Madison County Historical Society and the Germanna Foundation. He spent 30 years as a NRA Firearms Instructor, had eight years on the Virginia Board of Forestry and spent 32 years as a forestry dozer operator with the Virginia Department of Forestry fighting wildfires in several states. He was on the Rapidan Service Authority Board of Members for 20 years, served in the Madison County Chamber of Commerce for eight and was on Central Virginia Regional Jail Authority for 25 years, 18 of which he served as chairman.
In local government, Hoffman was a county supervisor for eight years and planning commissioner for five. He also spent nine years as a court bailiff and transportation officer with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Prior to his employment with the sheriff’s office, he worked as a period furniture restorer, first with his father through their Hoffman Furniture Shop and then solo following his death. He was also a keeper of local history, serving as the featured speaker for historical society meetings sharing information about long ago local stores and stills, the latter of which generated a packed audience.
“Steve was a true pillar of the community, a historian, one of the few folks who literally knew everything and everyone and who belonged to whom,” Madison County Economic Development and Tourism Director Tracey Gardner said. “Growing up here, I don’t remember not knowing Steve and his family. It is hard to see our greatest icons in the community pass on and take their knowledge and history with them. Steve and his big presence and wit will be greatly missed.”
“Steve Hoffman was a man who gave deeply of himself to Madison County,” board of supervisors chairman Carty Yowell said. “His service was not a single act or title, but a pattern of showing up, stepping in, and doing the work that strengthens a community. He believed in this county and he invested his time, his energy, and his heart in ways that made Madison a better place to live.”
In addition to volunteering for decades, Hoffman was also a family man. He and his wife, Charlotte, raised two daughters and have several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“Steve was the very definition of ‘service,’ specifically service to our community,” county administrator Jonathon Weakley said. “Over the years I had got to know Steve and Charlotte. Steve never met a stranger. He was funny and witty. His knowledge of the county and its history was impeccable. Most importantly, Steve was a family man. He loved his children, grandchildren, and most importantly, he loved his wife Charlotte who [he was] married [to] for 61 years. We will miss Steve and I ask the community to continue to pray and lift up his family during this time.”
A funeral service is planned for Saturday, April 11 at 11 a.m. at Preddy Funeral Home with a reception to follow at the Madison Volunteer Fire Hall. Family night will be held April 10, 5-8 p.m.
