Robert (Bob) Neal Hoffman

Robert (Bob) Neal Hoffman, 90, passed away at Robin Johnson House on Sunday, December 27, 2020.
He was born November 4, 1930, the eldest of the seven children of Edna Hoffman Kitchen and William Kitchen, of Gastonia.
As an adult, Bob assisted in the care and education of his younger siblings. After graduating from Gastonia High School, Bob served in the United States Marines. He was an avid learner and creative student. Bob worked his way through Gardner Webb University and Appalachian State Teachers College to become a teacher and professor. He taught High School in Dallas, NC, and Pahokee, Florida, and was a professor at Butler University in Indiana before returning home to Gastonia. Bob retired from the Gaston County Public Library where he created and maintained the North Carolina Room, and he was a virtual encyclopedia of the history of Gaston County. Bob was a longtime member of Marietta Street Baptist Church in Gastonia, where his artistic abilities were expressed in lovely seasonal bulletin boards and displays and special events. He loved singing in the church choir and even after he lost his sight, fellow residents in assisted living remarked how they loved hearing him sing.
In addition to his parents, Bob is preceded in death by his two brothers, Harold Ray Kitchen and William (Bill) Kitchen.
He is survived by his three sisters, Elaine K. Hudson, Doris K. Zeman (Robert), and Carol K. Stroup, all of Gastonia; and a brother, Michael W. Kitchen (Patricia), of Bessemer City.
All services are private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to, Marietta Street Baptist Church.
Arrangements are with the South Chapel of Greene Funeral Service and Crematorium, Gastonia.
Condolences may be made online at www.greenefuneral.com