Steven Smith Hoffman

Steve Hoffman, 80, of Madison passed away on April 2, 2026. Steve was born on July 9, 1945 to Jesse S. Hoffman and Thelma Blankenbaker Cornwell. He was predeceased by his parents.
Steve is survived by his wife and best friend of 61 years, Charlotte Hoffman. He is also survived by two daughters, Heidi H. Lohr (Brent) and their children Kaelan L. Jordan(Austin), Aynsley C. Lohr and Addyson “Addy” B. Lohr; Heather V. Manuel(Mark) and her children Shelby A. Smith, Jacob Manuel, and Joseph Manuel. Also surviving are two great grandchildren, Payton Douglas and Ava Douglas; sister Nancy Linke(Don) and niece Magen Seale; Sister-in-law Margaret Hawkins; nephew Robert Hawkins.

Steve was a Period Furniture Restorer, working with his father in Charlottesville, Va. They owned and operated Hoffman Furniture Shop. After his father’s death, Steve moved his business to Madison continuing to restore and refinish period furniture for antique shops, individual antique collectors and museums such as Monticello. He retired in 2000. After his retirement he worked nine years for the Madison Co. Sheriff’s Dept. as a Court Bailiff and Transportation Officer.
From the age of 15, Steve began his life of volunteerism and state and community service. He joined Madison County Volunteer Fire Company (life member) at the age of 15 and served for 65 years. He served 5 years on Madison County Planning Commission, 8 years on Madison County Board of Supervisors, 10 years with the Madison County Volunteer Rescue Squad (life member), 30 years as a NRA Firearms Instructor, 8 years on Virginia Board of Forestry serving under Gov. George Allen, 32 years as a forestry dozer operator with the Virginia Department of Forestry fighting wildfires in Virginia, North Carolina ,Florida, Mississippi, Texas and other states, 4 years as Emergency Services
Manager for Madison, 8 years on EMS Council, 25 years on the Central Virginia Regional Jail Board (18 years as Chairman), 20 years with Rapidan Service Authority(served as Chairman), 4 years on Planning District 9, 9 years with the Madison Co. Sheriff’s office as a Court Bailiff and transportation officer, 8 years with Madison Co. Chamber of Commerce, Madison Historical Society (life member), Germanna Foundation (life member). His service to his community totaled more than 236 years of dedication. Steve was a member of Hebron Lutheran Church. Steve was an avid historian and loved learning and reading anything to do with his Madison history. Steve was featured in National Geographic Magazine in September 1987 restoring a Chippendale dining room chair for Montpelier.
Steve’s greatest joys in his life were his wife, children and grandchildren. He enjoyed being the “Patriarch” of his family and his girls can tell you he was firm but always enjoyed answering questions and talking about family.
Family night will be held on April 10, 2026 from 5-8 P. M. at Preddy Funeral Home in Madison. Service will be 11 A.M. on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Preddy Funeral Home. A reception will be held immediately following the service at the Madison Volunteer Fire Hall. All are invited to attend.
The family would like to thank Hospice of the Piedmont for the excellent care given to Steve especially Sonya and his Hospice nurse, Cleesheu Milam. We would like to send our deepest gratitude to Margaret Ann Ward for the excellent care she gave Steve and for becoming a friend of our family.
Honorary pallbearers are Jim Aylor, David Clore, Steve Utz, Dudley Pattie, David Jones, Jack Fray, Charlie Taylor, Bill Price, John Hayes, Pete Elliott, Tim Dyer, Billy Hale, Robbie Finks, Roger Davis and Roger Berry.
Flowers are welcome – his favorite was tulips. Donations in his memory may be made to the Madison County Volunteer Fire Company, P. O. Box 255, Madison, Virginia 22727 or Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 300, Charlottesville, Virginia 22911.