Robert Matthew Hoffmeier, age 56 and known to all simply as “Matt”, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2024, in his Bluffton, SC home. While he had lost his vision years ago, he lived independently and had been assisted by his beloved German Shepherd guide dog, Wonder. He is remembered by friends and family for a clever, self effacing humor, always quick with a pun or unexpected turn of phrase.
He is survived by two older sisters, Virginia Marie “Ginny” Hoffmeier and Andrea Hoffmeier Wilson (Robert “Rob” Wilson), and a younger brother, Mark John Hoffmeier. Matt stoically endured the progression of the ultra-rare maternally inherited mitochondrial disease, LHON-Plus (Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy-Plus), which is progressive and neurodegenerative. Following his sister, Andrea’s enrollment in an LHON-Plus pre-clinical study preceding the basket Clinical Trial with The Chiaramello Lab at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and its associated Mito-EpiGen Program, Matt had also been a trial candidate. He and Wonder enjoyed the adventure to DC to be evaluated, and have a biopsy taken at The Chiaramello Lab’s clinical partner, Children’s National Medical Center. Irony was one of Matt’s delights, and he wryly remarked that he must be “going back to the future”, seeing a pediatric specialist. Dr. Anne Chiaramello noted Matt’s profound and multi-systemic mitochondrial phenotypes and was impressed how well he managed to continue living independently. That was Matt; he lived on his own terms until the end.
Matt earned his BS in Building Science from Clemson University, and prior to losing his vision, he had an impressive career in construction management, including achieving Lifetime LEED Professional Accreditation. While his last full-time employer did not realize his potential to continue contributing, Matt was unstoppable.
He had written his own estimating software, when he found the industry standard version insufficient, so he knew every column, formula and system by heart. Matt found opportunities with the enlightened few (including Jay Auld, who also brought him on his DC adventure with Wonder to see Dr. Chiaramello); who realized that, with the right adaptations and enough lead time, he could still be productive.
Beyond productivity, Matt was effective in client meetings and could ferret out errors in bids or specifications with an astounding attention to detail. This perseverance remains an inspiration to countless others affected by rare diseases and facing disabilities. Matt was also generous with his time, in advising others with vision impairments about his immense knowledge about ever-evolving gadgets and assistive technology.
Matt briefly dabbled in stand-up comedy, but live music performances by singer-songwriters, especially those with stories to share, were his greatest joy. A raucous celebration of life is being planned, to be held in concert with (that pun’s for you, Matt) music by all his favorite singer-songwriters and some story-telling sprinkled in; venue, date and time to be determined.
One of Matt’s great delights was releasing Wonder from duty, as instructed by Fildeco, with the exuberant, extended falsetto, “FREE!” Matt is now truly FREE; Flying free as a bird now. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to support The Chiaramello Lab at George Washington University research which Matt so admired.
PLEASE BE SURE TO USE THE LINK PROVIDED BELOW, AS OTHER PAGES ON GW WEBSITE DO NOT LEAD TO DONATION PAGE FOR CHIARAMELLO LAB RESEARCH FUND:
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Ty
He earned many ribbons and medals as a #1 Navigator First-Class of both sailboats and VW vans. He was also quite an accomplished surfer of Oldsmobiles. The Calibogue knows and remembers well.
Caye Youmans
I am deeply saddened to hear of Matt’s passing. I worked with him several years ago He was very smart and a great guy
Caye Youmans
I am deeply saddened to hear of Matt’s passing. I worked with him several years ago He was very smart and a great guy
Carla Holder
Dear Andrea and Rob, I know how much love and light you poured into Matt. He had so many talents so his passing is a tragedy and great loss. The disease challenged him and burdened him. He is now at peace and no danger can touch him while those he touched mourn.
In sympathy and love, Carla and Joe
Laurie Kenefick Parisotto
I just learned of Matt’s passing. I’m so sorry from the family. Matt inherited his Dad’s love of music and intelligence. He looked just like his Dad. So handsome and fun!
Tom Bilodeau
Matt was a old high school friend from Priory. He was witty, self-efacing, strong and bold. He was a good friend and could always be counted on. Over the course of six years we played many sports together including football, where Matt was a tough as nails noseguard whose speed and grit made him a force. I recall many great trips crashing around the Central West End and West suburban St. Louis with Matt and other chums (Mayuga, I’m looking at you) leaving a frothy wake of mayhem and hilarity. Having been away from the midwest for many years now, I am sorry to hear of Matt’s passing but am not surprised with how he lived a full life and battled on despite incredibly difficult circumstances. Thanks for all the great times Matt, I am sorry I didnt tell you in person but I hope you know in my heart I am grateful for having known you. Tom Bilodeau.
Mark
I am so sorry to hear of Matt’s passing. I knew him for a short time while he lived in Clayton. I always remember seeing him driving around Clayton & Wydown Blvd cruising around in his vintage convertible looking so happy
He was a very charming & funny
My condolences to Andrea & his family
Siddhartha Sundaram
I first met Matt in, if memory serves, the third grade of Oak Hill school. He had an energy even in those early years that radiated above the normal freneticism of young children. The classroom setting was stifling to all of us, but to Matt, it seemed like he was trapped in a cage. It seemed that only being unleashed into the wide world was a satisfactory remedy. I knew Matt through Oak Hill and then on into our high school years at St. Louis Priory. We were good friends in Matt’s last year at Priory, his junior year, and I remember more than a few late nights reveling in the new found freedom of incumbent adulthood.
Matt was always the most of free of spirits, and after he left St. Louis, I lost touch with him. But the memories of our school years together faded very little. I was sorry to hear of the illness that he endured, but knowing Matt, he would have tackled whatever obstacle he faced with a ferocity and tenacity that I have witnessed in few others. We take each life to fully live and experience it, and I have no doubt that Matt exemplified this. I am grateful that our lives intersected for some period of time, and also reminded of how precious and fleeting each of our lives is.