Charles Edward Hoffman

Charles (Chuck) Edward Hoffman came into this world on December 9th and passed 84 wonderful years later at his home in San Jose, California, surrounded by his wife and family.  Chuck was born on a cold winter day in Chicago, Illinois to Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Hoffman, and was the 3rd of 5 boys.   He was a caring and loving brother and looked after the family while helping his father run his business.  He went on to complete his undergraduate degree at Western Michigan and his graduate degree at Northwestern University.

Shortly after graduating, he married the love of his life, Carolyn Johnson, whom he had dated throughout high school and college.  Like many during this time, he was drafted into the Army, where he served his country during the Korean War.  Upon his return, Chuck and Carolyn settled in Chicago where they raised three wonderful children, Craig, Diane, and Sandy, and he continued his father’s tradition by staying in the food industry.  Chuck worked his way up to Vice President of Zacmi and eventually became a distributor for the company.

In 1999, his life would change forever.  Chuck experienced a stroke while driving to work, so he contacted his good friend and partner, Charlie, to come get him.  He insisted on going home, but Charlie took him to Good Samaritan Hospital, where he was quickly diagnosed as having a stroke.  Fortunately for him, a new drug was available for stroke victims, TPA, and it changed his life forever.  The drug was administered and Chuck went from being totally paralyzed on his left side to having 100% recovery.  It was truly a miracle.

Because of the care he received and this new drug, it became his life’s mission to make others aware, including hospitals, ambulance carriers, government officials, and potential stroke patients.  He always said, “These precious moments make all the difference between having devastating lifelong paralysis and a full recovery.” Chuck, along with a few others, established the Stroke Awareness Foundation, and he went to several events speaking about the importance and need for stroke awareness. 

In addition to the Foundation, he was an active member of the Rotary Club and Small Business Association for San Jose. It was important for him to give back to a community that always supported him.

While Chuck was a savvy and active businessman, his family always came first.  His business took him to many places around the world, and he often traveled with his wife, Carolyn.  Together, they where able to experience all life had to offer and visited such places as France, Italy, Greece, Puerto Rico, China, and the Caribbean.  Together, they created memories that will last a lifetime.

Chuck also had a weakness for playing cards, the horse races (or, “the ponies”, as he liked to call them), and good cigars.  He had his own circle of friends at the races or at the card table, and when asked how much he won, the answer was always the same: $20.  Funny how the wins or loses never varied.  Chuck’s second love (next to his wife) was his dog.  Once in the house, they did everything together, from watching TV to eating snacks.  If Chuck had a cookie, then there was a cookie for the dog as well.  They were inseparable. 
Chuck’s legacy will live on through many of us but especially through his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  He will always be larger than life, filled a room with his humor and wit, and will be remembered for years to come.  He leaves behind his lovely wife Carolyn and 3 children: Craig, Diane and Sandy; 4 grandchildren: Paul, Jessica, Chad, and Brad; and 4 great grandchildren: Xander, Ethan, Addison, and Wesley. 

Please share your thoughts and experiences with the family by leaving your comments.  In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations in Chuck’s honor to the Stoke Awareness Foundation.

To donate by check, please mail your gift to:

Stroke Awareness Foundation
51 E. Campbell Ave., Suite 106-M
Campbell, CA 95008

Donate via Credit Card or PayPal
Give online through our secure online donation form by using your credit card (MasterCard or Visa). You will receive an immediate e-mail confirmation as well as a separate gift receipt mailed to you for tax purposes. When you click the “donate today” button below, you will be sent to PayPal, where you can donate either via your PayPal account, or via credit card.