In Memoriam - Bernard H. Hoffman
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| Bernard H. Hoffman |
| June 4, 1932 to November 6, 2020 |
On Friday, November 6, 2020, Past Post Commander, Bernard H. Hoffman, passed away and reported to Post Everlasting. Bernard Hoffman was a Past Post Commander of Merrick Post No. 1282, American Legion. He was an active member of our Post and he wanted to be remembered as "As one of the guys" at the Post. He will be sorely missed.
Mr. Hoffman will be interred at the Beth Moses Cemetery at 10:30 am, on Monday, November 9, 2020. The Best Moses Cemetery is located at 1500 Wellwood Avenue, West Babylon, New York. For more information call the cemetery at 631-249-2290. Post members will meet at the Post at 9:30 am, for car-pooling in Full American Legion Dress, this includes Hat, Jacket and Tie. Thank you.
See the following link:
Note: The folowing is a Eulogy given by Post Chaplain and Past Commander James W. O'Neill on Monday, November 9, 2020, at the Beth Moses Cemetery, for Post member Bernard H. Hoffman.
Bernie Hoffman Eulogy
Good Morning Ladies and gentlemen. I am Jim O’Neill, the Chaplin of the American Legion, Merrick post 1282. I along with the men and women of post 1282 and the 1282 Auxiliary are here today to honor the memory of our departed comrade, Bernie Hoffman. Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife Florence and to their family and relatives. Florence and Bernie were remarkably close as a couple and Florence in her own right was President of The American Legion Auxiliary 1282 for many years. Bernie was well loved by all the members of both the post and the Auxiliary of Unit 1282. He was a loyal officer and member of our post for many years. He not only served as the Post Commander at our post, but also held through the years other multiple officer positions such as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd vice commanders. Besides being in the American legion, he was also a member in the VFW, the Korean War Vets, and the Jewish War Veterans. He also held officer positions in those organizations through the years as well. He served as commander of the Jewish War Veterans Post 652 for 4 years. He was also Judge Advocate from Nassau Suffolk District Council and was currently serving on the Executive Council of the Department of New York in the Jewish War Veterans organization. Bernie without a doubt was a Patriot. He was always looking out for his brother veterans and how he could help them no matter what their problems were.
I knew Bernie well as did everyone else at the Post and you would never find a better friend than Bernie. You will hear from other organizations here today just how good a person Bernie was. You will learn that Bernie left this world a better place because he loved life and the people who knew him should consider themselves lucky that Bernie was their friend. Bernie was more than a friend. He was a teacher and a man who helped others, a kinder man you would never find.
It must be noted that last Saturday was Bernie’s and Florence’s 65th Wedding Anniversary and he was looking forward to celebrating that special day with Florence and with the rest of their family. Luckily, the good Lord gave Bernie that one more day to enjoy Florence and the family. That day was to be his last day on this earth and Bernie was so happy that day. He was so glad to make it to that milestone. It meant a lot to him, and I truly, believe he left this world a happy man. He was so glad he had that day and I believe he left knowing God had given him that one last chance at happiness.
Bernie was a veteran of The Korean War. He was in the United States Army, and he was in country in Korea in 1952 during the war. I believe he held the rank of Corporal. He was in the artillery branch where he won a combat infantry badge with several stars due to the fact he was in several major battles. I could stand up here for hours talking about his many honors, awards, and accolades, from all the military organizations he belonged to, but unfortunately our time is too short.
So, with the family’s permission we will carry on with Bernie’s service and to a much beloved Husband, father, and grandfather who was among the absolute best of our legionnaires that now reports to Post Everlasting, we bid you ado.
Bernie, you were a great patriot, and your loss here on earth today, will be God’s eternal gain in Heaven for evermore.