John and Jean Hoffman are pictured Sunday afternoon outside their home on Lexington Street. The Hoffmans celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at a party at the Century House in Peabody.
John Hoffman and Jean (Finnell) Hoffman met 53 years ago at an insurance company in Boston where both were working. Three years later in 1964 they were married.
Prior to their wedding, John Hoffman served two years in the U.S. Army, including a stint in New Dehli, India. “I got out in January and we got married in May,” recalled Hoffman, a lifelong Lynn resident and well-known local sportscaster.
The wedding ceremony was held at St. Margaret’s Church in Dorchester, where Jean lived. The wedding reception was held in Quincy.
Sunday at the Century House Restaurant in Peabody, family and friends honored the Hoffmans at a 50th anniversary dinner. The Hoffmans’ two daughters, Cathy and Christine, organized the special celebration.
Jean Hoffman’s triplet sister, Joan, the maid of honor at the wedding, was among the guests at the party. The Hoffmans also have two granddaughters, Shanna and Jenna.
Jean Hoffman said it’s been “a great 50 years of marriage” to her 75-year-old mate, John, one of Lynn’s most prominent residents. John’s brother, the late Charles “Red” Hoffman was sports editor at The Item. He also has a sister, Eleanor Whyte.
She said she’s grown accustomed to her husband being out often broadcasting games and attending sports events. She has the utmost respect for his encyclopedic knowledge of Lynn sports.
“He’s incredible but he can’t remember to bring the milk home,” said Jean, laughing.
John Hoffman said, “The 50 years have flown by.”
“It seems like yesterday,” said Hoffman, a 1956 graduate of St. Mary’s High School. “Same thing with my 30 years on Lynn television. It’s here and all of sudden it’s gone.”
Jean Hoffman said she’s looking forward to a June 19 testimonial at the Nahant Country Club that is being held to honor her husband’s 30 years of contributions to the Lynn sports scene.
“At least we’ll be together at that dinner,” said Jean.