Ronald Ray Hoffman
August 14, 1941 – October 14, 2026
Ronald Ray Hoffman, 85, went home to be with the Lord on October 14, 2026. He was a long-time resident in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, and more recently lived at Garden Spot Village in New Holland.
Ron always delighted in telling people he was born in Egypt, then paused just long enough before adding, “…Pennsylvania.” He was born on August 14, 1941, the son of Alvin and Alice (Troxell) Hoffman. At Whitehall High School, Ron ran on the track relay team, whose record stood for many years. Ron then went on to Penn State University and earned a degree in industrial arts in 1963 and a master’s degree in education in 1966.
In the fall of 1963, Ron met the love of his life, Mary Jane Taylor. They were married the following year at Finland Mennonite Church and shared 62 years together.
At work and at home, Ron was never one to sit still.
Ron spent his first 13 years teaching woodshop and ceramics at Exeter Jr. High and Garden Spot High School. In the summers, he applied his carpentry skill by building houses in Morgantown. In 1976, Ron joined Graco Children’s Products in Elverson, where he spent over 30 years in both product development and safety roles. Ron used his expertise to contribute to the international standards for safety in children’s furniture. He helped design products that countless families have relied on, and his name appears on four patents, including the Tot-Lock Hook-On Child Seat and the Pack ‘n Play. After retiring from Graco, Ron spent 13 years working at Iron Mountain, where he was part of the building design team and model shop.
At home, Ron’s woodshop was his happy place. He spent many hours there turning out cutting boards, bowls, bookshelves, and tables. These pieces now live in the homes of family and friends as lasting reminders of his skill and generosity. When he wasn’t in the shop, he could be found in his garden or spending time with his family.
Above all, Ron loved the Lord. He treasured studying God’s Word, memorizing Scripture, and faithfully praying for the people he loved. Even in his final days, his conversations turned to his faith as he encouraged those around him to read the Bible and look to the Lord.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Alice Hoffman; his brother, Lorin Hoffman; and his beloved daughter, Beth Ann (Hoffman) Bullington.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Jane (Taylor) Hoffman; his sons, Jonathan (Brenda Killian) Hoffman, David (Courtney Kern) Hoffman, and James (Joy Grotsky) Hoffman; and his son-in-law, Stuart Bullington. He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren: Jack and Kylie Bullington; Brad (Shannon) Hoffman, Andrew (Rylee) Hoffman, Kelsey Hoffman, Emilee (Jacob) Hoffman Koechig, Jacob (Zoe) Hoffman, Matthew (Claire) Hoffman, Zachary (Avery) Hoffman, and Reed and Tate Hoffman.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to High Point Baptist Academy or to the Benevolence Fund at Garden Spot Village.
The memorial service will be held at The Chapel at Garden Spot Village in New Holland on November 7, 2026. Family visitation will be at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m.