Dr. Robert Graham Hoffman

Dr. Robert Graham Hoffman, 80, of Ithaca and formerly of South Bristol, Canandaigua, andHoneoye Falls, NY, died peacefully at home on August 20, 2018 following complications from a second heart valve replacement of five years ago. Born on November 7,1937 in Grove City, PA,he was the son of the late Lorenza O. Hoffman and Thelma Glenn Hoffman, and brother to the late Marianne (Hoffman) McElrath of Jamestown, NY.

Growing up in Mercer, PA, Graham was a star student and athlete in high school (basketball and football), and he continued his athletics at Allegheny College (1959) where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta. He then earned his dental degree from the University of Pittsburgh, School of Dentistry (1963). After completing his service in the US Air Force (1965), he began his own dental practice of 30 years in Honeoye Falls. He continued as a dentist in Canandaigua and Rochester until his retirement.

Throughout his career, he was very active in his community serving as president of his local school board, Lions Club, and Chamber of Commerce. Recreationally, he was District Governor of the Snipe Racing Association, Commodore of Keuka Yacht Club, lifelong member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, an active member of the South Bristol Fish & Game Club, and more.

In addition to working hard, he played hard. He raced sailboats, enjoyed cross-country and downhill skiing, and loved card playing and puzzles; and he seemed to remember everyone’s bridge hand. He even received an award for attending every soccer game of his children! He was an avid golfer (4 aces!) and always found a way to be active in nearby golf clubs. As a steward of his beloved land in the Bristol Hills, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He shared his knowledge with others and taught bow hunting safety courses. He took pleasure in harvesting wood, managing the forest land, and running the family’s small farm. In retirement years, he moved to Ithaca, NY to be closer to his children while still enjoying the winter months on Jekyll Island, GA.

Graham will be remembered for his integrity, reliability, quick wit, and competitive spirit. He was extremely organized - everything had its place; he was punctual and concerned for everyone’s safety; he was caring and generous and we could always count on his sound advice. He enjoyed pondering the night sky from his hot tub. He also took pleasure in fresh strawberries, delicious sweet corn, and root beer floats, this summer especially.

The family truly appreciated our time with him in these final years, and we were in awe of the courage and determination he showed through the final chapter of his life. Graham is survived by his wife Mary Evelyn Rice, married 58 years; his son Glenn (Danielle Utter) and daughter Carol (D Chorba); and his granddaughters Vera and Lumi. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and many loyal friends.

There will be a private graveside ceremony followed by a celebration of his life on Saturday, September 8 at the Trumansburg Golf Club with toasts to Graham and sharing of memoriesbeginning promptly at 2pm.

If desired, donations could be made in his memory to the Finger Lakes Land Trust (www.FLLT.org/donate), Hospicare of Ithaca (www.hospicare.org), or the Ithaca Fire Department (STA 4), 310 West Green St, Ithaca, NY 14850. Arrangements have been made by Bangs Funeral Home, Ithaca.