Obituary of Chief Hoffman

Roy D. Hoffman, 78, of Central Ave, Wolcott, retired Chief of Police of Wolcott, died Monday Aug. 20th, 2007 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Elinor (Knutson) Hoffman. Chief Hoffman was born in Waterbury, March 23, 1929, the son of the late Leroy C. and Anne L. (McCllough) Hoffman and had been a Wolcott resident since 1942. He was a WW II U.S. Marine Corps veteran and was a graduate of local schools having attended South School in Wolcott and Crosby High School prior to joining the Marines and Post Jr. College. He also had attended numerous law enforcement seminars studying criminal justice. He started his career with the Wolcott Police with his appointment as a full time officer in August of 1958. In January of 1970 he organized the now Detective Division and was appointed as the first full time Criminal Investigator and was promoted in October of 1970 to Detective Sergeant. In September of 1976 he was promoted to Lieutenant of the Detective Div. and promoted to Deputy Chief of the Department in November of 1977; He became Chief of the Department in February of 1981, and retired in 1990 after 32 years of service. During his professional career he was selected as Police Officer of the Year in 1969, 1971, and 1974. He was a former member of the New Haven County Detective Assoc., and the New England Police Chiefs Assoc. and a Past President of the Wolcott Police Benevolent Assoc. Locally, he was a member of the Wolcott Congregational Church, and a charter member of the Wolcott Lodge # 146, A.F & A.M.; the Scottish Rite Bodes, Valley of Waterbury, the Lafayette Consistory, Valley of Bridgeport, and Sphinx Shriners of Newington. He had served as a coach with the Wolcott Little League and was a charter member of Billy Peterson Post # 165, American Legion of Wolcott. He had been a member of the Marine Corps. League and had served as Member At Large. He enjoyed many winters with his wife at their winter home in Ajo, Arizona and was an avid Red Sox fan; He enjoyed his motorcycle and toured the country with his wife with the Blue Knights.Besides his wife of 56 years, he leaves two sons, Roy K. Hoffman of Waterbury, and Gary L. Hoffman and his wife Norma of Wolcott; two daughters, Shelley H. Magel and her husband Gerry of Oakville and Tracy A. Sirois and her husband Rich of Wolcott; 5 grandchildren, Nikole, and Samantha Hoffman, Matthew, and Justin Magel and Madison Sirois; and one great-granddaughter, Lizabeth muniz. He was predeceased by a sister, Joan.All services will be private at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. The Alderson Funeral Home of Waterbury, 70 Central Ave. is assisting with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the VNA- Hospice, 50 Brookside Dr., Waterbury 06708.