Francis G. Hoffman | Tavern owner, 78

Francis G. "Cheech" Hoffman, 78, of Springfield, Delaware County, a tavern owner who operated CheechO's Lounge in Folcroft for 30 years, died of kidney cancer April 5 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Hoffman grew up in South Philadelphia and graduated from St. Joseph's Preparatory School. He served in the Army as a paratrooper in the States. After his discharge he served as a Philadelphia firefighter for several years and then spent 16 years as an insurance agent before purchasing the Folcroft bar in 1979.

"He was a people person who could light up a room," his son Patrick said. "Everyone knew him."

A passionate golfer, Mr. Hoffman played with friends on courses in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Florida and on an annual trip to Myrtle Beach, S.C. His golf buddies said nobody played the game better, his son said.

Mr. Hoffman is also survived by his wife of 56 years, Geraldine Hassel Hoffman; sons Michael and Gregory; daughters Kathe Prettyman and Kim Giordano; 14 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Another son, Francis, died in 1998.

Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. today and after 11:30 a.m. tomorrow at St. Kevin Church, 200 W. Sproul Rd., Springfield, where a Funeral Mass will be said at 12:30 p.m. Burial will be in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Marple Township.

Memorial donations may be made to the Kidney Cancer Research Fund in care of Naomi Haas, Abramson Cancer Center, 12 Penn Tower, 3400 Spruce St., Philadelphia 19104.