Gary Hoffman

Gary passed away peacefully on Monday, December 15, 2025, at home in his own bed. He enjoyed life to the fullest but was happiest in the kitchen, preparing something special for a group of family and friends. Always the showman, he required all guests to be seated at the table before he would bring in the main course and take his proper spot at the head of the table. No one was ever disappointed by the food, music, and camaraderie of the evening. His dining room table was a direct extension of his entire life.

Gary graduated from Bowling Green State University (BGSU) with a B.A. in Education before heading to Waterloo Lutheran University in Ontario, Canada, where he received a Master’s in Theology. Upon returning to Toledo, he served as a pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on Glendale Avenue. He later left the ministry to become an English teacher at Whiteford High School in Ottawa Lake, Michigan. While teaching, he dabbled in radio with an overnight gig at 92.5 WMHE. After a short stint at WMHE, he left Whiteford High School for a full-time classical announcer position at FM 91 WGTE Public Media. Following that, he ran the reading service for The Sight Center of Northwest Ohio. As you can see, much like at his dining room table, he commanded an audience throughout his entire career.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Jane (Kansorka) Hoffman; his sister, Wendy Pasquarelli; as well as his friend and mother-in-law, Nancy Bell. He leaves behind his loving husband of 45 years, Mark Del Brocco, along with his "sisters by default," Susan Talamantez, Donna Vierling, and Jill DelBrocco Mulvaney.

Mark wishes to thank all of the wonderful people at First Health Hospice for their loving compassion and heartwarming hugs. He also thanks the caring souls at the Cremation Society of Toledo. Any memorial contributions would be gladly accepted to the "Agnes Reynolds Jackson Arboretum."

All are welcome to join us for "Cocktails for Gary," a celebration of life on June 5th at 5:00 p.m. at his home, 2736 Robinwood Avenue in Toledo. The gathering will be held in conjunction with the kickoff of the Old West End Festival weekend.