Carl August Hoffman

Carl August Hoffman, 74, of Naugatuck, died unexpectedly on June 7, 2026. 

Carl was born on June 9, 1951, to John Stanley Hoffman and Vivian Brunson Hoffman in Tampa, Florida. He attended Hillsborough High School and graduated with a bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida, where he met his wife, Sharon.  He earned two master’s degrees and a doctorate in education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

Carl was the pastor of five Baptist Churches in Florida, Louisiana, and Tennessee. He greatly enjoyed doing the research and preparation for his sermons.   He was the Executive Vice President at the Stewardship Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention directing church fundraising, where he raised over $100 million for churches’ capital needs.  After retirement, Carl created a YouTube devotional channel that he hoped would meet the spiritual needs of people who were not connected to a church.  He spent the last few years working on a theology book reconciling science and religion. 

Carl had many interests and hobbies. He was a life-long car enthusiast; a memorable birthday present was race car driving lessons. He was a member of the National Corvette Museum and was a member and officer of the Corvette Club of Nashville for many years. He discovered a talent and love for painting, his paintings are displayed proudly by family and friends.  Carl was an avid reader; he had read over 1,000 books since his retirement. He had a love for family history and spent time researching and visiting locations with meaning to his family.   For many years, his relaxation was flying drones. Carl took great care of his health, was a committed vegan, and often walked more than 7 miles daily.  He was known for his curiosity, his openness to new technology and new ideas. He thought deeply and appreciated intellectual pursuits.

Carl was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Meriden and the First Baptist Church, Southington, where he found a spiritual home and a community.

 Carl is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sharon, who he always describes as the best thing that ever happened to him. He is also survived by his son, Paul, daughter-in-law, Karen, and their children, James and Clara. He leaves behind many close cousins and his sisters and brothers-in-law, Karen and Tim Baily and Mike and Tammy Combs. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Vivian Hoffman and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Earl and Betty Combs.

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorials be in the form of donations to First Baptist Church, Southington.  A memorial service will be held at a future date at First Baptist Church, Southington.

Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements and invites you to share your condolences on Carl's tribute wall on this website.

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