Tony was born on June 26, 1937, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Clarence C and Marguerite M (Ehlenfeldt) Hoffman.

For most of Tony’s young life, he and his sister Mary were raised by his mother in Hastings, Michigan, eventually graduating early from Hastings High School in 1954 at the age of 16. Tony attended the University of Michigan and Long Beach State College in California before graduating from the U of M in 1959 with a BS in Education. That same year, he married Connie M Hoffman in Ann Arbor, Michigan after having met at the U of M Speech Improvement Camp at Shady Trails in Northport, Michigan. Tony worked as a teacher and football/ wrestling coach for Southgate Community Schools and Flat Rock Community Schools during the school years and he and Connie continued to work at Shady Trails during the summers while raising their three children. His love of the Leelanau area brought the family north full time in 1967 to Suttons Bay, Michigan, to accept a position as Elementary Principal at Suttons Bay Schools eventually becoming Superintendent there a few years later.

In 1975, his California fascination led Tony and the family to the San Diego area where he worked as a teacher and football/ baseball coach for Granite Hills High School in El Cajon, California. He was lured back to Leland, Michigan in 1985 to become Superintendent at Leland Public Schools before moving on in July of 1988 to TBA ISD as Assistant Superintendent for General Ed/Vocational Ed/Business Services. Tony was instrumental in helping to set up the Manufacturing Technology Died January 13, 2025 Academy at TBA ISD. Tony retired from TBA in June of 1999 capping a 43 year career in education. Tony’s friends and family can attest to a strong love for Detroit sports, especially the Detroit Tigers and U of M football. Gatherings and activities were planned around the day’s tv sports schedule. Tony and his significant other, Joan, spent winters in Lakeland, Florida, where they were season ticket holders for the Detroit Tigers Spring Training games for 14 years. Tony was a life long golfer who enjoyed playing at the Leland Country Club surrounded by his many friends. He served as Club President and greens committee member there for a time as well. In addition to sports, Tony’s interests included reading, fishing, travel, current affairs and an obsessive appreciation of Merle Haggard and all things Maize and Blue.

Tony is survived by his children Tracy ( JP) VanRaalte, Jon (Adriene Kokowicz) Hoffman, and Dennis (Nancy) Hoffman; his sister Mary McMillen; his significant other Joan Derengowski; his grandchildren, Dan (Christine) McKee, Laura McKee, Jessica (Sean) Price, Elizabeth (Erik) Hansen, John (Abbigail) VanRaalte; his great grandchildren, Isabella, Harper, Elliott, and Everett; and his great great granddaughter Arya.

He is preceded in death by his parents; various aunts and uncles; and his former wife Connie.

A celebration of Tony’s life with be held this summer at the Leland Country Club. Memorial contributions in Tony’s memory may be directed to the Leelanau Conservancy, PO Box 1007, Leland, MI 49654, or the Leland Educational Foundation, PO Box 1166, Leland, MI 49654