Ian Frederick Hofmann

Blog Layout

Ian Frederick Hofmann

November 3,1958 - February 9, 2024

Visitation

Date: Saturday, February 24, 2024

Time: 10:00am-11:00am

Location: First Baptist Church of SW Broward

Funeral Service

Date: Saturday, February 24, 2024

Time: 11:00am

Location: First Baptist Church of SW Broward

Cemetery

Date: Saturday, February 24, 2024

Time: 1:00pm

Location: Lauderdale Memorial Park

Ian Frederick Hofmann, aged 65, passed away in the Bombardier Challenger Jet accident in Naples, Florida, on Friday, February 9th, 2024, while pursuing his lifelong passion. Born on November 3rd, 1958, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States, to George Rene Hofmann and Lou Ellen Harwood, Ian faced early loss but found solace and strength in his faith in Jesus, who became his steadfast rock, guiding him through life's challenges.

Ian's remarkable journey in aviation began at the tender age of 13 in the early-1970s, working as a line service technician at Fort Lauderdale Airport to fund his flight lessons. At 17, he realized his dream of becoming a pilot, a vocation he pursued with unwavering dedication for over 40 years. From his early days at Hop-A-Jet charters to his tenure at Piedmont, US Airways, Virgin America, Vietnam Airlines, Vistara Airlines in India, 21 Air, and back to Hop-A-Jet, Ian's love for aviation knew no bounds.

Throughout his illustrious career, Ian accumulated over 25,000 hours of flight experience, piloting a diverse range of aircraft, including the Learjet, DC9, Boeing 727, 737, 747, 767, and serving as Captain on the Airbus 320 and 330. His commitment to safety was unparalleled, demonstrated by his meticulous study of NTSB accident reports and his unwavering professionalism in the cockpit.

Ian's dedication to his craft was matched only by his love for his family and friends. He leaves behind cherished memories with his wife, Cristina Hofmann; sons, Grant, Chris, and Reed; daughter, Grace Hofmann; former wife, Joan Mathis; stepchildren, Felipe and Domita Lizarzaburu Ponton; and a host of friends and colleagues whose lives he touched deeply.

Ian's wife, Cristina, fondly recalls their first encounter at a restaurant on Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale. Little did she know then that this first meeting would mark the beginning of the most beautiful chapter of their lives. On that memorable first date, Ian boldly asked for a hug, a moment that would later become symbolic of the depth of his love for Cristina. From that day forward, they both entrusted their relationship to the guidance of God, allowing faith to lead them on their journey together.

Beyond his aviation career, Ian was a devoted Christian, a proud patriot of the United States, and an animal lover who adored his rescued cats and dogs. He held onto his 1993 Dodge Dakota for nearly three decades, cherishing the memories of his children's youth. Ian enjoyed cooking, country music, and had a fondness for George Strait's "Carrying Your Love With Me" and "Fly Me to the Moon," often dedicating the latter to his beloved wife.

Some of Ian's fondest memories were from his time at US Airways in the late 90s when he flew the European routes. One Christmas, he returned with a cuckoo clock from Germany, leaving his son Chris puzzled as to how he managed to fit it into his small suitcase. Ian often shared anecdotes from his career, including the times he flew Englebert Humperdinck to concerts and even bumped into Elvis Presley on the tarmac. These stories reflected Ian's adventurous spirit and his deep love for the experiences his career afforded him.

His last moments, calmly speaking with ATC as he tried to save the passengers and crew in the face of a desperate emergency of losing both engines at low altitude, is how we will always remember him. Ian's heroic actions saved the lives of the passengers, cabin attendant and countless lives on the ground, exemplifying his courage and selflessness.

A funeral service will be held on February 24th, 2024, beginning with visitation at 10:00 AM followed by the service at 11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church of South Broward in Cooper City (2700 N Palm Ave, Cooper City, Florida 33026).

Friends and family are invited to join in celebrating Ian's life and sharing cherished memories.

Following the service, a burial ceremony will take place at 1:00 PM at Lauderdale Memorial Park Cemetery (2001 SW 4th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33315).

In honoring Ian's memory, let us remember his unwavering spirit, his love for life, and his profound impact on all who had the honor of meeting him.

Poem written by Ian Dedicated to His wife Cristina

I was a lonely man, only a boyhood away. Then I met you...you took my loneliness away. Love blossomed strong, flowers blooming at night...dusk came so swift... would our love see daylight? Or continue in the night?

A walk through the garden life was not, a stroll by scented meadows could not be bought.. Landscapes mirage, glistening dreams, hopes clinging at echos of laughter, distant streams of bubbling falls... summer’s breeze as winter winds subside.. this body trekking to that great City were promises are found promises kept.. hoping along too for company kept and Loves blossoms met.

The scent on the rose you bring of sweet breezes, early spring... a long journey yes, but a new day... Of you I am missing what I never had and longing for what I have found, for the warmth of my pillow, the sound of your breath, your beating heart against my chest... the warmth of Love melting snow, the ice sickles of winter dripping glow outside, the fireplace of hopes a glow... the dawning of day after a cold dark night... where dreams seemed homeless, but now are at home, our cats guard our hearts wishing for our return. My home is with you.

The harvest sways, fields a glow they wait to feed dreams, hard work, righteous hands, strong hearts all held by faith in His pierced hands... the blessings come from our God above, for he can not help to be blessed in our Love.

❤️❤️❤️

I was thinking of you my Love while soaring in the skies above...traversing the world, the fields that I work. Missing you while I am away.. working.. to bring our brightest days... together to live in many ways...

I Love you Mi Amor. I cherish you in my heart and keep you near in my soul for there is no other like you who has loved me so... No one my soul has loved like you.

I love you and I will see you soon.

Love,

Your faithful husband always,

Ian.

Send Flowers Go Fund Me First Baptist Church

< Older Post Newer Post >

Send Flowers

Address: 4200 Hollywood Blvd Hollywood, Florida 33021

Add Comment

Diane Struyf

By Kevin Rieth • February 18, 2025

Diane Struyf, born July 10, 1948, in Hollywood, Florida, to James and Eloise Shipman, passed away peacefully at home on January 22, 2025, at the age of 76, surrounded by her loving family, after one last epic visit with lifelong friends. After graduating from South Broward High School in 1966 where she formed friendships she would cherish her whole life, she began her career as a legal secretary. Beyond her burgeoning career, Diane's charismatic presence shone brightly in beauty pageants, where she earned several titles—a testament to the grace and charm that remained with her always. In 1977, Diane married the love of her life, Terry, and together they welcomed their son, Michael, in 1985. As a devoted mother, Diane was actively involved in the PTA and ensured her family enjoyed three home-cooked meals daily. In the 1980s, Diane and Terry embarked on a joint venture, purchasing and renovating Marine Villas, a vacation rental on Hollywood Beach. This family business became their labor of love for the next three decades. Diane also pursued a successful career in real estate with Hollywood Beach Realty and was an active member of the Kiwanis Club, contributing her time and energy to community service. Her greatest joy came from her role as a grandmother to her beloved granddaughter, Tallulah. Preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Terry, Diane is survived by her son, Michael; granddaughter, Tallulah; brother, Wayne Shipman; and numerous relatives and close friends who will forever hold her memory dear. A memorial gathering will be Saturday, February 22nd, 11:00am - 2:00pm with a celebration of life service at 1:00pm all at Landmark Funeral Home.

Joanne Marie Ager

February 18, 2025

June 14, 1960 - February 11, 2025

Freda B. Flynn

By Kevin Rieth • February 17, 2025

Freda was born in Elmont NY in 1931. Her parents were Helen and Al Morsch. Freda was an only child until the age of 16 at which time Helen became the legal guardian of a niece, Lucille, at age two. While Lucille had biological siblings, Lucille and Freda were sisters as well. Freda married Jimmy Flynn, and they had a daughter, Barbara Ann. They lived in Huntington NY until moving to South Florida in 1961 and finally Plantation in 1963 where Freda lived until her passing. Freda worked for the School Board of Broward County we she worked closely in developing the Migrant Education program that became a nation-wide program monitoring the whereabouts of the migrant children as they traveled around the country with their parents. She was an active member of St. Gregory where she volunteered and assisted Sister Jean as her secretary for 10 years. After retiring from her “real” job, she continued to work for her daughter, Barbara Ann, until the age of 93. She performed bookkeeping services, answered emails, learned new software features, and did all that with an unbeatable sense of humor. When she sent emails, she would end them with an emoji wearing cool-looking sunglasses. To quote her co-workers, “Freda was a cool lady and so much fun to work with.” Freda is survived by her daughter, Barbara Ann, her niece Donna Montrony, godson/nephew, John Montrony, her nephew, Christopher Montrony, her almost daughter Audrey Rosso and almost son, Joe Zarranz. Freda passed peacefully at home with her daughter by her side on Monday, February 10. She had a smile on her face as she met Jesus and all the angels in Heaven. Her spirit and love remain in our hearts, and she will always be with us. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. stjude.org/donate

Alfred Anthony Cianelli, Jr.

By Kevin Rieth • February 17, 2025

Alfred A. Cianelli, 94, passed away on February 11, 2025. He was born on March 21, 1930, in Havre de Grace, Maryland, to the late Alfred Cianelli, Sr., and Belinda Susi Cianelli. In 1945, Alfred met his beloved wife, Frances (Boyd) Cianelli, with whom he shared 74 years of marriage. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1948 to 1952, living in Norfolk, VA, and Providence, RI. After his service, Alfred and Frances, along with their two sons, Fred and David, lived in Columbus, Ohio, for 12 years before relocating to Hollywood, Florida, in 1964, where they raised their family. In 1971, Alfred co-founded Pre-Cast Specialties, Inc., a company that manufactured precast products for the Southeastern coast of South Florida. In 1984, the business became a family affair as Alfred’s two sons joined the company. Over the next six decades, Pre-Cast Specialties, Inc., grew to become one of the largest producers of hollow core slabs and concrete poles in the country. In 2015, the Cianelli family sold their thriving business to a capital venture group. After retiring, Alfred often visited Bel Air, MD, and Gatlinburg, TN, finding joy in gardening, tackling home projects, and spending quality time with family and friends. Each day, you’d find him immersed in the daily newspaper, Frank Sinatra serenading him in the background, and a steaming cup of coffee by his side. His morning ritual also included a bowl of cornflakes and a banana – a simple, comforting routine. Alfred was a creature of habit, but that didn’t stop him from embracing adventure. He loved traveling, embarking on road trips across the United States and exploring new corners of the world. His travels even took him to Italy and Egypt, where he experienced the thrill of riding camels through the desert. Alfred is predeceased by his granddaughter Meghan Cianelli Bennett (William). He is survived by his loving wife, Frances Ann Cianelli; his son Fred (Colleen) and granddaughter Brittany Cianelli Chalela (Mario); and his son David (Karen Swanson) and grandson Dane. Mass will be held at St. David’s Catholic Church, 3900 South University Drive Davie, FL, on February 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Dana Farber Meghan's Jimmy Fund Fund in memory of Alfred’s granddaughter, to support research for NUT Carcinoma.

Brenda Arzie

February 14, 2025

April 5, 1968 - January 16, 2025

Betty Miller

February 13, 2025

Betty J. Miller, 92, formerly of Hollywood Florida, passed away February 10, 2025. Born in Philadelphia, PA to James and Sara Brennan. Betty worked for Barry University and the University of Miami department of Neurology as a secretary until retirement. She was a devout catholic and longstanding member of Nativity Catholic Church. She was a Eucharistic minister, a member of the Legion of Mary and very active volunteering with Respect Life. She was married for 62 years to the love of her life Alfred P. Miller(predeceased) and they had 5 children together. Sons Kevin Miller and Alfred P. Miller Jr both (predeceased). She is survived by daughters Diane Diamond (Roland Dezentje) and Susan Miller; son Robert Miller (Annie Fair); grandchildren Jacqueline, Justin (Ashley), Meghan (Vernon), Josey, Courtney, and Crystal; great grandchildren Taylor, Avery, Lucas, Cash and niece Janice Matthews. Visitation will be Tuesday, February 18th, 10:30 – 11:30 at Landmark Funeral Home with Funeral Mass of the Resurrection at 12:00noon at Nativity Catholic Church followed by entombment at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in North Lauderdale.