Mark James Hoffman, 56, of Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania, died Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, at Cedar Crest Hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Hoffman was named a Carnegie hero in 2015 for helping save a woman, 79, from drowning in Catawissa, Pennsylvania, after the vehicle she was in rolled into a lake on Aug. 14, 2014. Hoffman, 50, ran to the car as it was rolling down an embankment and crawled into it through the opened window of the driver’s door. The car entered the lake and began to fill with water as it drifted to a point about 100 feet from the bank, in water about 9 feet deep. Hoffman released the woman’s seat belt and pulled her out through the window, as she clung to his neck. The woman was unconscious as Hoffman held to her by an arm and swam back to the bank. Another woman met them halfway and she swam the woman closer in. Hoffman was nearly exhausted and bruised a knee. The woman was revived at the scene, but later died in hospital.
Hoffman was born June 23, 1964, in Ashland, Pennsylvania, to the late Vincent A. Hoffman and Margaret Hoffman Lewullis and William Charles Lewullis, Sr.
An outstanding athlete in wrestling, football, and track, he graduated from North Schuylkill Jr. Sr. High School in 1982. Hoffman was captain of the wrestling and football teams in his senior year, and was a District and Regional wrestling champion.
He was formerly employed at Goulds Pump, Ashland, and Pleasant Valley Homes in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania.
Hoffman was known as a great practical joker and enjoyed camping and spending time at home with his partner, Mim Benjamin, and their dogs Bo, Daisy, and Gracie. He was an avid sports fan and loved playing the drums.
He is survived by his parents Margaret and William Lewullis, Sr., companion Mim Benjamin, seven siblings, several extended family members, and friends.