Dr. Eric Hoffman's Obituary
Dr. Eric Hoffman passed away on Friday, May 17, 2024, at the approach of 3AM, an Hour of Mercy. He was born on July 24, 1947. Having lived in a variety of places, he ultimately chose Louisiana as his home more than 40 years ago. He died after a protracted illness at the age of 76.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald Hoffman and Elizabeth Jenovai Beck, as well as his cherished aunt and uncle Bertha and Florian Jenovai of Kitchener, Ontario and his beloved parents-in-law, Dr. Nick and Eunice Accardo of New Orleans.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sharon Accardo Hoffman; daughter, Gretchen Hoffman; sister, Karen Hoffman; many extended family members, and friends.
Dr. Hoffman was born in Cleveland, Ohio but spent his early years with his aunt and uncle in Canada before returning to the United States, where he lived primarily in North Carolina and graduated from Cary High School. There, he excelled both on the track and in the classroom. While working to put himself through college, his academic career was interrupted by the draft, culminating in his service in the 101st Airborne Division of the US Army in Vietnam. While he spoke infrequently of his tour, he served honorably, and was awarded the Bronze Star, Air Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, among other commendations.
After separation from the military, he was able to pursue his education first at North Carolina State University, earning Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Sociology. He attended the University of Kentucky where he earned his PhD in Sociology, focused on Medical Sociology, Social Psychology and Deviance. He met and married his wife while both were students at UK; following graduation they moved to New Orleans.
Dr. Hoffman taught at both Tulane and UNO, holding additional research positions at Tulane. He
left higher education to become the Director of the Louisiana State Medical Society’s Department of Special Programs (including Physicians’ Health and Continuing Medical Education Accreditation). He garnered numerous accolades but was particularly proud of receiving the Louisiana State Medical Society Impaired Physicians Program Recognition Award and Fellow Membership in the Royal Society of Medicine (England).
While at the Medical Society, he moved with Sharon to the Northshore where they raised their daughter Gretchen. He chose to retire early in order to devote more time to his family. Eric enjoyed the quiet of country life and embraced becoming a skilled craftsman. An ardent sports fan, he was a proud member of the Notre Dame Subway Alumni. A collector of stamps, coins and other memorabilia, his greatest accomplishment was accruing thousands of beer cans and bottles from all over the world, which he meticulously maintained throughout his adult life. To friends and acquaintances alike, Eric was known for his mischievous humor, polysyllabic vocabulary, and strong handshake. A man of vast knowledge and many interests, his highest priority and greatest joy was his family.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 20370 Smith Road, Covington, Louisiana, with visitation beginning at 9:00 AM. Interment will follow in the St. Joseph Abbey Cemetery, 75376 River Road, Saint Benedict, Louisiana.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, locally owned and operated, is honored to be entrusted with Dr. Hoffman’s funeral arrangements. His family invites you to share thoughts, memories, and condolences by signing an online guestbook at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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