Joseph Edward Hoffman, 78, of Kingston
Joseph Edward Hoffman, 78, died Friday, Nov. 17, 2017, at HealthAlliance Hospital, Broadway Campus.
Born Dec. 1, 1938, he was a son of the late Joseph and Dorothy (Fitzgerald) Hoffman. A lifetime resident of Kingston, he attended P.S. No. 5 and graduated from Kingston High School in 1956.
On June 21, 1959, he married the love of his life and best friend, Florence Caspersen.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Robert Hoffman (Mari), Gary Hoffman, and Heidi Hoffman Gannon (John); and three grandchildren, Krisitna Hoffman, Ryan Hoffman and his mother Diane, and Theodore (Teddy) Gannon.
Along with his parents, Joe was predeceased by a son Joseph Jr.
He enjoyed watching his children grow and the time spent with them, and in later years with their families. He attended as many of his grandchildren’s events as possible, be it school programs, sports, and graduation. He also held his many friends close to his heart. Over the years, if there was a project, Joe was there.
He proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, and was a life member of the Ulster Detachment of the Marine Corps League. Employed by The Ulster County Clerks office for twenty years, retiring in 2010, he was previously employed by Seagram Distillers for many years as a sales representative, earning numerous awards during his employment. He also worked in sales for Colony Liquor.
Joseph was active in local baseball for much of his life, as a player in his youth, and later coaching Little League and Babe Ruth League. Before entering the service, he played for local teams, including the Kingston Colonials, Dobler’s, and Ertel’s, and a single season with the Saugerties Dutchmen. While playing for Kingston High School in 1956, he is credited with a most productive game in school history. He was 5 for 5 with two triples, 2 doubles, a single and 5 runs batted in. He was inducted into the Kingston City League Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991. He also bowled for many years in the Independent Tavern League. Joe and Flo always looked forward to their summer vacations at Cape Cod, and also visiting their son and family in Puerto Rico.
Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of Joseph V. Leahy Funeral Home Inc., 27 Smith Ave., Kingston, N.Y. (www.jvleahyfh.com) Friends will be received at The funeral home Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m. A procession will form Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the funeral home. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church at 10 a.m. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, may be made in the form of contributions to: St. Peter’s ALS Regional Center, 19 Warehouse Row, Albany, N.Y. 12205.