WINTER HARBOR – George S. Hoffmann, 93, died peacefully Feb. 20, 2012, surrounded by his four children at the Maine Veterans Home, Bangor. He was born May 10, 1918, in New York City, the son of William J. and Isabella (Runk) Hoffmann.
George attended Columbia University and served nearly five years in the U.S. Army during World War II. He began his musical career as a pianist and society orchestra leader in 1938. As head of George Hoffmann Orchestras, he played for social functions throughout the New York Metropolitan area, where he established a very loyal following. He retired to Maine in 1976. In 1978 he resumed his musical career playing engagements during the summer months at the old Bar Harbor Club; The Harbor Club, Seal Harbor; and The Asticou Inn, Northeast Harbor, where he played for the Thursday night buffet and dances as well as private parties for 17 years. He continued the many years of volunteer services he had begun in New York playing piano engagements at area nursing homes, schools and historical societies. George was instrumental in supporting Schoodic Arts for All and performed several benefit concerts on their behalf. In all, his was a wonderful 70-year career during which he brought much happiness to a great many people, who in turn gave him much satisfaction as well by their acceptance of his never ending efforts to musically reach out and touch their hearts and souls. Recently, George was the proud recipient of the Boston Post Cane recognizing him as Winter Harbor’s oldest resident.
He is survived by his children, Julia H. O’Neill of Ellsworth, Heidi H. Kelly and husband, Joseph, of Olmstedville, N.Y., Catherine H. Hickey and husband, John, of Winthrop and George S. Hoffmann Jr. and partner, Nicholas Goodwin, of Winthrop, Mass.; grandchildren, Meghan York, Matthew, Andrew and Timothy O’Neill, Nicholas, Elizabeth, Alice and Samuel Kelly, Ryan and Jacob Hickey; and great-grandchildren, Evan and Mairin York, and Abigail Hickey. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 48 years, Helen F. (Hagan) Hoffmann in July 1996. The late Mary D. Forsmark was a very dear companion in the last years of his life.
A celebration of George’s life will take place this summer in Winter Harbor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Schoodic Arts for All, 427 Main St., Winter Harbor, ME 04693. Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth. Condolences may be expressed at
www.jordanfernald.com.