Hornell, New York

Nelson E. Hoffman – 86 – of 1190 County Route 66 (The Woodland Community), Hornell died late Thursday evening (November 27, 2025) at his home, following a brief illness.

Born in Sparta, NY on December 18, 1938, he was the son of Howard & Bertha (Henry) Hoffman.

Nelson grew up in Nunda, NY and lived on the family farm.  He was married on February 6, 1960 to the former Jean Zigenfus and together they resided in the Loon Lake / Cohocton area for over 50 years.  They have lived in the Hornell / Arkport area for the past 12 years.

A lifelong carpenter by trade, Nelson was employed at the Local Carpenters Union #276 out of Rochester, NY.  Throughout the years he worked on countless construction sites building commercial buildings, bridges, stores & even cemetery mausoleums.  He retired about 24 years ago.

Nelson was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting (deer & small game) and fishing (lake & stream).  He especially loved his time spent salmon fishing and halibut fishing in Alaska. He also enjoyed doing puzzles and watching westerns. His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Nelson was preceded in death by two stillborn children, Janice (1961) and Jakie (1980); 4 sisters, Leota Gardner, Juanita Snyder, Shirley Hoffman and Ellen Tisdale; 1 brother, Howard Hoffman.

Surviving are his wife of 65 years, Jean; 5 children, Lori (Scott) Holcomb of Alaska, Nelson (Sharlene) Hoffman of Dansville, Linda (Pat) Smith of South Dansville, Mark (Trish) Hoffman of Cohocton, Larry (Jorge Vargas) Hoffman of Pottsville, PA and Robin Hoffman (daughter-in-law) of Henrietta, NY; 1 sister, Virginia Cartwright of Short Track, NY; 15 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandson; several nieces & nephews.

At Nelson’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  A “Celebration of Life” will be held at future date.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell NY.

Nelson’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to either CareFirst Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, NY 14870 or to the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY 13790.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.