Bernard Hoffman, 87, died peacefully at home on April 30, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.

Bernie was born December 10, 1938 to Sam and Belle Hoffman in Chicago. Bernie, a lifelong Chicagoan, attended Sullivan High School, graduated from the University of Chicago with a degree in Political Science & History and received his JD from DePaul University.

Bernie and Elaine (Weinreb) were married on December 2, 1983 and had a wonderful marriage for 42 years enjoying travel, learning, sports, being with friends and family and simply being together.

Bernie's professional life included owning two record stores, One Octave Lower & The Flipped Disc in Old Town in the 1960s and spent the rest of his career as an attorney for the State of Illinois, retiring as an administrative law judge.

Bernie was an amateur historian, aspiring writer, avid tennis player and loved all sports.

As a lifelong learner, Bernie used his retirement to continue his education at the University of Chicago and through the OLLI program at Northwestern University.

Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Belle, his brothers, Harold, Victor and Marvin and numerous aunts & uncles.

He is survived by his loving wife Elaine and many nieces and nephews.

Memorials or donations can be made in his memory to Blind Services of Chicago. https://www.blindservicechicago.org/