Frederick J. Hofmann, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, civil engineer, and community volunteer, was born on January 28, 1937, and grew up in East Orange, New Jersey, the son of Margaret (Peg) Farrell and Johan Ludwig (Luddy) Hofmann. From an early age, Fred’s life reflected curiosity, resilience, and a quiet determination. As a toddler, he traveled with his mother to Germany to visit relatives—an early adventure that included surviving a violent storm at sea, during which he was nearly washed overboard, foreshadowing the steady courage that would mark his life.

A determined and hardworking student, Fred put himself through St. Benedict’s Preparatory School and Newark College of Engineering (now NJIT), earning a degree in civil engineering and Professional Engineer license, launching a career defined by both technical excellence and service to others.

In 1959, Fred met the love of his life, Mary, at a CYO dance at Holy Name Church in East Orange. They were married in 1961 and began their life together in Southampton, New York, where Fred was stationed while serving in the United States Air Force. Confident in their love and teamwork, Fred and Mary embraced life’s opportunities and adventures together.

Their journey took them, with their growing family, to Minnesota and Brazil for work opportunities before eventually settling in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, and later Atlantic Highlands, where they made their home for many years. Along the way, they created lifelong memories through family camping trips across the United States and continued to enjoy travel together later in life.

As a civil engineer with Edwards & Kelcey and T&M Associates, Fred designed transportation infrastructure projects. His professional skills extended naturally into his personal life: he helped plan Pleasant Valley Park in Bernards Township, built a house as a family project in Pennsylvania, and renovated their home in Atlantic Highlands. For Fred, engineering was not just a profession, but a way of thinking—solving problems thoughtfully and building things meant to last.

Known for his positivity, persistence, patience, and kindness, Fred lived his faith daily and valued family and community above all. He dedicated countless hours to volunteer service, including leading the Rosary group at St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church, serving as Financial Secretary of the Knights of Columbus Reverend Joseph J. Donnelly Council #11660, as a member of the Bishop McFaul General Assembly #0646, and previously on the Atlantic Highlands Environmental Commission.

Whether building a deck, managing accounts, or working through a challenging puzzle, Fred enjoyed keeping both his mind and body active. He sailed for many years on his two sailboats, Persistence I and II, and treasured the simple, daily ritual of walking with Mary—nearly every day—until his final illness. Their lifetime of deep love, commitment, and care for one another was rare and beautiful.

Fred leaves a legacy of love and quiet, steady example through his four children: Michael (Carole) of Stephen's City, Virginia; Robert (Kathleen) of Hull, Massachusetts; Daniel of Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey; and Kathleen of Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey; as well as his ten grandchildren, all of whom were a great source of pride and joy.

A funeral will be held on February 20, 2026, at St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church, Atlantic Highlands, NJ. Visitation begins at 9:45 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Emma Hofmann Memorial Fund, established in memory of one of Fred and Mary’s beloved granddaughters. The fund honors Emma and Fred’s shared values by supporting those in need and recognizing acts of consistent kindness that radiate outward through our communities.