07/01/2025
We lost another Branch Shipmate who has transferred to the Supreme Commander.
Kenneth H. Hoffman, 91, of Richland Township, Bucks County, passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, June 18. He was the beloved husband of the late Bonita L. "Bonnie" Hoffman, with whom he shared 29 years of marriage before her passing in November 2001.
For more than 20 years, Ken shared a cherished companionship with Audrey J. Reigel of Quakertown. Together, they were devoted friends and travel partners, supporting one another with love and joy throughout their time together.
Born in Karthus, Pennsylvania, Ken was the son of the late Mary (Hertlein) Heichel and the late John Hoffman. He graduated from State College High School and began his working life on a local farm before enlisting in the United States Navy in 1953 at the age of 19. He served honorably for 20 years, retiring in 1973.
Ken's naval career took him across the country and around the world. After completing basic training he was stationed in San Diego, CA; Jacksonville, FL; New Brunswick, ME; Manchester Township, NJ; and Willow Grove, PA. He specialized in helicopter maintenance and served aboard various ships, with assignments that took him to Hawaii, Japan, the Philippines, China, and Hong Kong (while it was still under British rule). He deployed on aircraft carriers including the Hornet, the Lexington, and the Midway.
While stationed at Maguire Air Force Base, Ken served as Master-at-Arms, overseeing barracks maintenance. He was also part of the VP-23 squadron, responsible for twelve aircraft during six-month deployments. His missions included dropping torpedoes in Sigonella, Sicily, monitoring Russian submarines off the coast of Cape Cod, and training exercises in Puerto Rico. His service also took him to Cuba, Iceland, Sweden, Norway (where he recalled being in Boden when President Johnson took office), Scotland, Ireland, and London.
For his dedicated service, Ken received several commendations, including the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Navy Good Conduct Medal (four times), and the National Defense Service Medal.
After his military retirement, Ken settled in Quakertown and worked for several local businesses, including Triangle Building Supplies, Boyle's Heating and Plumbing, and Mayers Well Drilling, until his retirement in 1993.
Ken was an active member of the First United Church of Christ in Quakertown and the Fleet Reserve Association in Willow Grove. He found great joy in spending time with his family, vacationing at the beach, hunting, and camping. His annual family camping trips to Knoebels spanned an incredible 39 years, creating treasured memories with generations of loved ones.
Ken is survived by his children: Ronald L. of Reading; Mary E. (Joseph) Fairbank of Maryland; David A. and Daryl A., both of Milford Square; and Katherine Barrett (Dean) Batson of Reading. He is also survived by two sisters, Dorothy (Robert) Gough of State College and Barbara (the late James) Horne of Altoona; two brothers, John (Anita) Heichel of Tyrone and James Heichel of Huntingdon; his brother-in-law, Terence (Karen) Weikel of Sellersville; and sisters-in-law, Barbara (James) Stoneback of Quakertown and Deborah (Chris Bean) Bargione of Schwenksville.
Ken leaves behind a loving legacy that includes his grandchildren Erica, Crissy, Joey, Reed, Barrett, Logan, and Haley; step-granddaughter Ellie; three great-grandchildren, Ashlyn, Taylor, and Ellie; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife, Bonnie; daughter, Susan (Joseph) Petruska of Sabbatus, Maine; mother, Mary Heichel; and sister, Myrtle (Ed) King of Spruce Creek.
Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, at First United Church of Christ, 4th Street and Park Avenue, Quakertown. A calling hour will precede the service from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow at Tohicken Union Cemetery, Perkasie. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Quakertown.
Contributions in Ken's memory may be made to: First United Church of Christ, 151 S. 4th Street, Quakertown, PA 18951
