Hoffman was born in Chicago, Illinois and graduated from Hirsch High School.
He served in the United States Air Force Reserves from 1954 to 1962.
He lived in Homewood, Illinois with his wife and family and was involved with the insurance business.
Hoffman served as mayor of Homewood, Illinois from 1985 to 1991 and was a Republican.
[1] From March 1992 until 2002, he served as chair of the Cook County Republican Party.