William Hoffnung

IN MEMORY OF WILLIAM HOFFNUNG A life well lived.William Hoffnung, aged 103, of Bristol, Tennessee, formerly of Guadalajara, Mexico and Massapequa Park, New York, peacefully died in hospice on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. He was born in New York City in 1920 and was pre-deceased by his first wife Shifra (Cohen) Hoffnung, and his second wife, Audrey (Hagadus) Hoffnung, his sisters Ann (Hoffnung) Teitelbaum and Rose (Hoffnung) Appelbaum and brother Seymour Hoffnung.William’s father Max was a sign painter and installer, his mother Lena a Hungarian immigrant. William began working as a newsboy at age 5, contributing all he earned to the family. In his youth, he visited every museum in New York City, developed a love of art, music and science and dreamed of seeing the world. The first trips he took were those he won for selling newspapers.As a man, William was the first in his family to graduate college, and to serve in the US military in the Philippines during WW II. He received a commendation for establishing and managing a dental clinic at the Station Hospital that served 2,000 servicemen. Years later, when he began to paint, he often created images from the Philippines.After returning from Service, William established his dental practice - the first in semi-rural Suffolk County – on Long Island, NY. A strong believer in public service, he served as Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President and President of his local Lions Club, initiating a science scholarship awarded in the public schools and was also instrumental in a Lions program that donated patriotic pictures to the schools. He served more than 30 years as Chair of the Dental Society’s Council on Dental Health, and as Chair of the Suffolk County National Children’s Dental Health Week.William also served for 25 years on the staff of Brunswick Hospital, taking care of the Home for the Aged. He was Supervising Dentist for Copiague School District, a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Jewish War Veterans and was a volunteer on the Nassau Medical Team of the Nassau County Civilian Defense. In addition, he founded the Massapequa Lodge of B’nai B’rith, a Jewish service organization, and instituted a program to provide American flags to public schools.William Hoffnung retired to Guadalajara, Mexico with his first wife, and after her decease, remarried. He often said how grateful he was to have had two wonderful, loving marriages.William, an avid gardener, also became an avid traveler, visiting more than 50 countries, and embraced life with joy, curiosity, generosity and enthusiasm. Bill was a loving son and brother, and a loving husband, father and grandfather. He taught his children to explore their potential, persevere in their goals, lead ethical lives, to believe in progress and in the basic goodness of people.William Hoffnung is survived by his grateful children Hope Hoetzer-Cook, Jack Hoffnung and his wife Kimberly (Simerly), Lee David Hoffnung and his wife Wendy (Von Freter), his grandson David Aaron Hoffnung, his close stepson Richard Oppenheim, and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great nephews.William Hoffnung was an extraordinary man who was well-loved by those who knew him during his amazingly well-lived life. Casual acquaintances became good friends, and good friends lasted a lifetime. He will be deeply missed but missing him will always be mingled with gratitude for having met or known him.Private services will be held for the immediate family only. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.blevinscares.com.In lieu of flowers, please direct any donations in William Hoffnung’s memory to B’Nai B’rith via their website bnaibrith.org.Read Obituary