Fred Hoffman

Fred Hoffman, 88, died Thursday January 10th, 2019. He lived a full and vibrant life until age and illness took its toll over the last 6 months of his life. Born in the Bronx, he grew up in the Washington Heights part of Manhattan. Fred grew up with siblings Rhonda and Morton, to whom he was very devoted. Fred attended George Washington HS where he graduated early at 16 (other notable alums - Henry Kissinger and Alan Greenspan). Fred attended College at Pace University and then received a Masters Degree in Tax. After leaving Army, Fred started a 50 year career with Williamhouse Regency, an envelope company. Nobody knew envelopes better than Fred. While living in Western PA, he met love of his life, Vivian, and got married in 1964. A few years later they completed their family with Sam and Emily. The family would relocate to Great Neck, New York where they reside for many years. Fred was an avid arts attendee. He and Vivian, and then he alone, would be at the Ballet or Symphony or Theater almost every weekend. Both in NY and in Houston once they moved here. His music collection was large and filled with all their favorites. When Vivian was sick and at the end of her life, Fred...[more]

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uld go visit every day when they would sit and listen to show tunes. He would always make sure the music in her room never stopped. He was a lover of classical music, but together, it was always a sing along. Fred took great pride in his role as head usher at Temple Beth El in Great Neck and was a solid leader for the congregation. Fred and his son Sam were big Pittsburgh Penguins fans and also liked to share investment ideas. Fred was great with numbers and enjoyed playing bridge, and did so regularly. No appointments could be made during the weekly bridge games. They were both very focused on family and placed tremendous emphasis on it and all their relatives.Fred & Vivian moved to Houston in 2008 to be closer to Emily and Mike and their granddaughters Kate & Charlotte. The family is very grateful for the ability to have spent their last years with them and to be able to care for them. Fred's son in law, Mike, became a trusted and frequent companion to Fred after Vivian's death.  There was never a time Fred wasn't wondering where Mike was. They had a standing, weekly dinner, went to theater, and spent many holidays together with family friends. Mike was a true gift to him in his last years. Fred and Vivian had been a couple that rarely spent time apart. They enjoyed a nightly game of Scrabble and so many other things. The joy of reuniting now is a comfort to all.