Howard W. Hoff, Sr.

Howard Walter Hoff, Sr., 97, of Cape Coral, Florida, formerly of Middletown, Connecticut, passed away at home on April 17, 2026.

Born in Middletown on August 15, 1928, he was the son of the late Albert and Augusta (Wilk) Hoff. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Marilyn.

Howard leaves behind his loving children, Joyce Amann (Stephen), Janice Nowak (Mark), Howard Hoff, Jr. (Linda), Mark Hoff (Gina), Eric Hoff (Gail), and Christopher Hoff (Erin). He also leaves his cherished grandchildren, Nicholas Hoff (Brianna), Matthew Hoff (Megan), Boomer Hoff (Cara), Lisa Doughty (Josh), Cassidy Hoff (Gavin), Sam Hoff (Natalie), Rhea Hoff, Avery Hoff, and Caleb Hoff; and his great-grandchildren, Levi and Cole Doughty, and Miliana Hoff.

Howard was a lifelong parishioner of St. John Lutheran Church. He was also a proud Army veteran who served as a Sergeant with the 2nd Armored Division, “Hell on Wheels.” He found joy in life’s simple pleasures: gardening, a cheap cigar, a good book, and fishing trips on Rock and Roll Charters, where the stories were often better than the catch.

Howard will be remembered not only for his love of family, but for the humor, wisdom, and one-liners that became part of family life. When one of us got hurt, he would say, “It’ll get better before you’re married,” reminding us that things were never quite as bad as they seemed. If we asked, “Hey Dad, what kind of a dog is that?” he would answer, “It’s a sooner.” And when we asked what that meant, he’d grin and say, “Sooner a dog than a cat, or sooner here than there” or any variation of a non-answer. His quick wit always kept us smiling.

If anyone complained, Howard was known to say that sympathy could be found in the dictionary between “so what” and “tough luck”- many of you know the adult version -teaching us to take life’s bumps in stride. At bedtime, he often made up wonderfully elaborate stories-unless he was especially tired, in which case the story became, “Once upon a time, they lived happily ever after.” Even that, in its own way, was classic Dad. And when we insisted we were too full at the dinner table, he’d gently pinch our foreheads to check whether there was “still room” – a family tradition some of the grandchildren were later caught trying for themselves.

The stories could go on and on. Howard will be deeply missed for his advice, his quick smile, his steady presence, and his constant wisecracks. His love and laughter will remain with his family always.

Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced at a later date. To send condolences to Howard’s family, please see obituary at www.beecherandbennett.com.