HOFFMAN,
Robert L.
The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona
Thursday, July 31, 2003
Robert L. Hoffman, born in Joliet, Illinois, February 23, 1914 died
peacefully in Phoenix, Saturday, July 26, 2003. Robert(son of Dean K and
Eva Hoffman) was Illinois State Clarinet Solo Champion in 1930 and 1931.
At 16 he moved to NYC to study at the Ernest Williams School of Music
and received his degree in 1934. He received a B.S. from New York
University in 1939. During these early years, his professional
achievements included playing first chair clarinet for the NBC Symphony
Orchestra, conducted by Arturo Toscanini, as well as performing with
maestros Leopold Stokowski and Leonard Bernstein. Mr. Hoffman taught at
NYU (1939-1950) and Queens College (1942-1956). He returned to Ernest
William's Summer Camp where the maestro would call upon Robert to "show
us how it's supposed to go." It was while teaching at the camp in
Upstate New York that Robert met his future wife, Lillian Macheras of
NYC; they married in 1940. In 1950, Robert Hoffman moved his young
family to Carle Place, Long Island. He devoted himself to his family and
teaching wind instruments to aspiring students in Lindenhurst, NY. He
received a Masters degree in 1964 and a Teacher's College Professional
Diploma in 1967, both from Columbia University. In his free time, Robert
enjoyed many family outings planned by his imaginative wife. Robert,
Lillian, son Ricky (Eric), and daughter Diana annually vacationed at the
family's log cabin which was nestled into woods overlooking beautiful
Lake Enterprise in Elcho, Wisconsin. Mr. Hoffman continued performing
for 38 years in The Goldman Band's summer concert series, sponsored by
the Guggenheim Foundation, conducted by Dr. Edwin Franco Goldman. This
symphonic band played at New York City's Central Park, Prospect Park,
and Lincoln Center. Even with the demands of teaching and playing
professionally in the summer; Robert also rnanaged to conduct The
Princeton University Band (1950-51); the Westbury Fire Department Band
(1959-66); and the Roslyn Recreation Band (1967-74). In Robert's golden
retirement years, he and Lillian moved to Phoenix. They often traveled
with their treasured friends from the Williams School. Robert and
Lillian made many new friends from the Sun City Symphony Orchestra
(1978-83) and the Desert Shores Condominium Association. When they were
in their eighties, the pair occasionally went jet-skiing with their son,
Eric, and daughter -in-law, Mel. Robert lost Lillian, his beloved wife
of 61 years, on April 26, 2001. Robert L. Hoffman was respected and
loved for his steadfast dedication and devotion to friends and family,
his talent and style.
He will be deeply missed. Robert is survived by son, Eric (of Phoenix);
daughter, Diana (of Short Hills, NJ); granddaughter, Becky (of
Brookfield, CT); and great-grandson, Nicholas.
A "Celebration of Life" will be held in his honor. Friends and family
will be notified of the date and time.
Memorial donations may be made to Arizona Heart Institute Foundation,
2601 E. Thomas Road, Suite 225, Phoenix, AZ 85016.