The Legacy of Eugene “Gene” Hoffman Lives On

On the Shoofly - April 2026

We bid farewell to a kind man who served his family and his community with grace, humility, a ready smile, and a positive outlook on life.

- by Mauric Singleton

Bay St. Louis lost a good one on April 3rd. After a long battle with cancer, Eugene “Gene” Hoffman passed away surrounded by his family. Gene was well known in the community after serving for two terms as Ward 2 councilman from 2017 to 2025.
 

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Gene earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and Government in 1995 and a Juris Doctorate from Louisiana State University in 1998. He and his wife, Edie, moved to the Bay in 2002, where they raised their two children, Gene Hoffman V and Julia Hoffman.
 

 
“I had the pleasure of being one of the first people to welcome Gene and Edie when they moved to Bay St. Louis, recalled Julie Scianna. “I handled the closing when they bought the house the family lives in to this day.”
 
Julie is the president and co-founder of Landmark Title & Escrow Inc. “I had the privilege of working with Gene when he joined our team as a closing attorney in August of 2021.”
 
She reflected on the many enviable qualities of Gene. “What I admired most was his quiet determination, perseverance, and work ethic – unlike any other.
 

 
“He never once complained,” Julie remembered. “Instead, he radiated joy and optimism, smiling as he quietly juggled a dozen things at once.”
 
In addition to working at Landmark and severing as a councilmember, Gene owned a home healthcare business, maintained his law practice, dabbled in used car sales, and regularly volunteered at church and community events.
 

 
“And he never missed a school function for his children,” Scianna said. “He never stopped moving. Gene was a devoted family man, and his love for his family shone through whenever he spoke of Edie, little Gene, Julia, his parents, or his sisters. He was one of a kind and will be sorely missed.”
 
Former friend and colleague Doug Seal remembers Gene as an analytical mind. “I was always the facts-and-figures guy,” said Seal. “His critical thinking always guided us in how to present things. He had a way of keeping us centered and steering the conversation. He was very thoughtful but always kept a calm demeanor and cool mind.”
 

 
Seal also remembers Hoffman as a man who seemed to never have a bad day. “Every day was going to be a better day,” said Seal of Hoffman. “It was always a hug and a smile. It was a face of faith.”
 
“Great friendship,” said Seal regarding his relationship with Hoffman. “He was a very Godly man. He will be missed.”
 

Photo courtesy Julia Scianna

Because of his time in Louisiana, he was an avid supporter of LSU athletics and a top New Orleans Saints fan.
 
Gene will be remembered for his commitment to his community, his eagerness to help those in need, and his love of his family. He will be sorely missed.
 

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