A celebration of life for Burton Hoffmann was held Friday, June 21, 2013, in Hawthorne, New York, with his nephew, Rev. David Hoffmann officiating. Burton died June 14 of complications from diabetes.

The son of Harry and Gertrude (Grantz) Hoffmann, he was preceded in death by his parents and brother Lyle of Des Moines. He is survived by his partner, Robert Erler, sister-in-law Gloria Hoffmann, nephew David Hoffmann and niece Anne Hoover and their families and by cousin Dean Hoffmann (Livia) and Gail Drees (Jeff).

A graduate of Manning High School in 1945, Burton attended Grinnell College and received a doctorate from Columbia University in New York. He taught choral and instrumental music in Manning and Norway, Iowa, for a short time, then in Westchester County, New York, for many years until his retirement. Also a writer, many of his poems and two of his books have been published and three of his plays were performed on Long Island and Off Broadway in New York.

A devoted son, brother, uncle and friend, Burton loved the arts, Opera, foreign travel and helping children develop their talents and a love for music.

He will be greatly missed by his family and all who have known and loved him over the years.

-------------------------------------

Published in the The Journal News on June 18, 2013

Burton R. Hoffmann, a longtime resident of Hawthorne, New York, passed away on June 14, 2013, after a 2 month illness due to the complications of diabetes, a disease Burt battled for 40 years. Burton R. Hoffmann was born and raised in Manning, Iowa. He attended Grinnell College in Iowa and Columbia University in New York, receiving a doctorate in 1970. He went on to teach choral and instrumental music in the public schools of Iowa and Westchester County, New York. He took an early retirement from teaching in order to devote his time to writing. His poetry and memoirs have appeared in a number of small magazines across the country. His book, Family Tree: Memories from Childhood was published Press-Tige Publishers in 2001 in Catskill, New York. His children's book, Millicent the Magnificent was published by Polar & Company of Solon, Maine in 2004. One of his plays, Carries Choice was produced by Arena Players of Long Island in 1989. Two plays Tales of Hoffmann and All the Rugged Way were given showcase Performances by the Theater Studio of New York City. Burt was a great lover and supporter of all the arts. His love of Opera was a particular passion. At home he was surrounded by hundreds of books, recordings and paintings. He also enjoyed traveling and made many trips to Europe, Asia, and South America. He will be greatly missed by all those whose life he touched. He is survived by his longtime partner Bob Erler, sister-in-law Gloria Hoffmann, Niece Ann Hoover (Scott) and nephew David Hoffmann (Lisa) and their families. There will be a celebration of Burt's life at the Hawthorne Funeral Home, Friday June 21 at 2 PM. Interment Hawthorne Reformed Church Cemetery, Hawthorne, New York. Contributions in Burt's name may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Hawthorne Funeral Home 21 West Stevens Avenue Hawthorne, New York 10532