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City Commissioner Hoff Suffers Tragic Loss
- Updated: April 28, 2017
A loss for a family and the community
Special to La Feria News
Riley Hoff with Tess. Photo: Courtesy Hoff family
Last week, La Feria City Commissioner Eric Hoff and his family received the unwelcome and devastating news of the sudden, tragic death of their only son Riley J. Hoff-Larocca of injuries sustained in an automobile accident near his home in Taylor Falls, Minnesota.
Riley was the beloved son of Kathleen “Katie” McFarland and Luke Larocca, Tina and Eric Hoff, loving brother of Laura, Luke and Caroline Larocca, Lynn and Morgan Hoff and cherished grandson of Margaret “Peggy” Barry and Thomas McFarland, and Catherine “Pat” Kramer and Thomas Larocca.
In his chosen profession as Corrections Officer and Sheriff for the Polk County, Wisconsin Sheriff’s Department, he touched the lives of many people. His father said Riley lived his life to the fullest.
“He loved to help others and reached out to people in many wide-ranging ways,” his father said, adding, “He loved to teach and mentor others about things he knew well, such as being a member of the University of Illinois tennis team, providing healthcare in Uganda, and teaching English in Korea. He lived his life with a passion and sense of urgency that defied the norm, but made lasting memories and friendships worldwide–for this, he will long be remembered by friends and family.”
Commissioner Hoff expressed his and his wife’s feelings at this moment by saying: “We’re devastated. Riley loved visiting the folks in South Texas, especially during the dove season. He will be deeply missed by myself, my wife Tina, his sisters, and his family in Illinois.”
This tragic loss for Tina and Commissioner Eric Hoff is also a loss for our caring community. La Feria Mayor Olga Maldonado spoke for the community when she told LA FERIA NEWS: “On behalf of the city administration and the citizens of La Feria, we send our heartfelt condolences to the family of Eric and Tina in their moment of grief. Words cannot sufficiently express our feelings and sympathy for the Hoff and Larocca families–but the Lord will help them during this stressful time.”
Riley was buried last week in a Chicago suburb.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please help continue Riley’s efforts with Atlas International to improve health in low resource areas of Uganda at www.crowdrise.com/atlas-international-inc. and/or contribute to the La Feria Police Department for their annual Easter and Christmas Charity Event at 115 E. Commercial Dr., La Feria, Texas 78559.
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