88, WWII vet, owned private practice for 48 years
Dr. Harry Hoffman, Jr., 88, passed away peacefully Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013, at Hospice and Community Care, Mt. Joy, surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness.
Born in Ephrata, he was the son of the late Mabel and Harry Hoffman. His beloved wife, Fay (Mellinger) Hoffman, passed away in June of 2009.
The first 18 years of Harry’s life was spent in Ephrata. He was a graduate of Ephrata High School, class of 1943. He served in the Pacific Theater in World War II as a Seabee. He graduated from Lebanon Valley College in 1948 with a major in chemistry and began medical school at Jefferson Medical College later that year. He married his high school sweetheart, Fay, on June 12, 1949. Upon graduation from medical school, he came to Lancaster and interned at the Lancaster General Hospital. In 1952, he began a private medical practice in Landisville. He was a practicing family physician for 48 years. Throughout his career, his primary concern was always for his patients’ welfare. He served in various committees of the local Academy of Family Practice and was the president of the organization as well. He was a staff member of the Lancaster General Hospital and a member of the Lancaster County Medical Society. He saw patients at the Mennonite Home for over 35 years and became medical director to the Mennonite Home. He also served Hempfield School District as an attending physician for many years. He was a member of the Ephrata Blue Lodge #665, F.&A.M. of Pennsylvania and was a former member of Lancaster Rotary West in Hempfield. Harry was a resident of Luther Acres in Lititz for the last 15 years of his life. His family would like to thank the nursing staff and caretakers at Luther Acres for providing care to both he and our mother throughout their years there. Harry was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church, Landisville. He enjoyed special times with his family in Ocean City, N.J., where he vacationed in summers throughout his life. He loved to watch Penn State and West Virginia football games. He enjoyed travel, good books and loved his dachshunds. His greatest source of joy was gathering with family and friends at the holidays and other special occasions. He was proud of the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren and loved spending time with his great grandchildren.
He is survived by three daughters: Jessica, wife of Donald Long of Manheim; Melissa Hoffman of Manheim; Rebecca, wife of Patrick Hehnly of Lititz; his beloved grandchildren: Michelle (Long), wife of Josh Jordan; Patricia (Long), wife of Brad Hatfield; Joe, husband of Tami Hehnly; Josh, husband of Jamie Hehnly; Christopher Hehnly and Matthew Hehnly. A granddaughter: Sarah Hillard predeceased him. Additionally, he will be greatly missed by his great-grandchildren: Stella Hehnly, Jackson and Jace Hehnly, Tyler and Bryce Jordan and Ella Hatfield. He is also survived by a nephew: Robert Crone of Lakeport, Calif.
In addition to his wife, parents and granddaughter, Harry was preceded in death by three sisters: Kathryn Snader, Arlene Crone and Lucille Fitzkee.
A funeral was held Jan. 6 at the Luther Acres Community Room, Lititz, with Chaplain Walter Cleckley officiating. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made in Harry’s memory to Luthercare, 600 E. Main St., Lititz, PA 17543 or The Hempfield Foundation, 200 Church St., Landisville, PA 17538 or Hospice and Community Care, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.
Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com.