Kenneth Ray Hoffman

Ken Hoffman of Hudson Ohio loved life, and he lived it with exceptional enthusiasm and gusto.

His passing has left a hole in the lives of all who knew him. And for those who loved him, the world will never be the same without his courageous, indomitable spirit.

Gregarious, genuine, and charming, Ken emanated a zest for life that was impossible to resist. Ken spread joy even to people he didn’t know. Whether he had known you for years or just met you at the neighborhood Hudson store, Ken considered you a friend and probably knew a lot about you.

Beyond the chance and fleeting interactions with strangers, Ken also forged deep connections with the people he cared about most. The deepest of those bonds was with his life partner of 42 years, Annette Tymcio. As Annette tells it, they went on their first date in 1981 and were together every day thereafter for the next four decades. It’s a compelling love story that’s even more impressive given that the two also became partners in their award-winning advertising business, Tymcio Hoffman.

An avid reader, Ken knew a lot about a lot of things—and he didn’t hesitate to share his intellectual curiosity and opinions with anyone who would listen. He was a foodie and an accomplished cook; as well, he appreciated good wine, whether it was a pricey bottle or a more pedestrian “gulpable” vintage. The combination made him an excellent dinner party host and he loved to entertain. A cherished memory for virtually all his friends would be sitting around a table with Ken pontificating and telling stories, teasing and laughing.

He and Annette shared many adventures and interests, including travel, the theatre and, because they’re both softhearted, adopting an untold number of stray kitties over the years. Without formal training, Ken taught himself to play keyboard and composed beautiful music. He also loved to sing and encouraged Annette to join him in singing “at the top of our lungs” to Andrea Bocelli’s performance of “Nessun Dorma” from Puccini’s opera, “Turandot.”

Although he faced serious health challenges during much of his adult life, Ken remained optimistic, upbeat and, remarkably, a consummate comedian. When most of us would sink into self-pity, Ken was at his best, getting knocked down and getting right back up again. If you knew him, it was easy to believe he simply was invincible.

Until the day he died, Ken Hoffman was larger than life. Although his body finally succumbed, his spirit dances in the hearts of everyone who loved him.

Ken was preceded in death by his mother, Marilyn Hoffman; brother Robert Hoffman; nephew Samuel Wilson; and sister-in-law Yvonne Curatolo. His father, Raymond Hoffman, followed Ken in death just 13 days later.

He is survived by his lifelong partner Annette Tymcio; sister Becky (Brian) Wilson of Kent; nephews Robert “Lily” Wilson of Chagrin Falls, and Benjamin Wilson of Akron; niece Sarah Wilson of Kent; mother-in-law Marilyn Talkington of Akron; sister-in-law Monica Tymcio of Nederland, CO; and goddaughters Carli Claar (Matt Giaimo) of Solon and Rachel Claar (Cole Schneider) of Chesterland.

In keeping with Ken’s wishes, a celebration of life will be held at a date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers please donate in Ken's name to the Summit County Humane Society.