Obituary of Russell H. Hoffman

Russell H. Hoffman, 76, of New Hartford, passed away June 6, 2021, at Lutheran Care. He was born in Utica on October 30, 1944, son of the late Ralph E. and Marion (Hall) Hoffman. Russell attended UFA and graduated from Cornwall Academy in MA. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Sciences from Utica College and Masters in Education from the Syracuse University Maxwell School. He was a teacher at Notre Dame High School and Jefferson Co. Community College. Russell taught at MVCC for many years, becoming Dept. Head of Social Sciences, Criminal Justice and Public Policy. During this time, the Police Academy was part of his department and he attended all of the graduations. Russ was very active in his community and many organizations. He was a member and past Chairman of the Board for St. Elizabeth College of Nursing Board of Directors; served terms as President for NYS Sociological Assoc. and terms as President and VP of NYS Criminal Justice Associations. He was married to Kathleen M. Wadsworth on August 29, 1980, at St. James Episcopal Church in Clinton. They would have celebrated their 41st Anniversary in August. Russell is survived by his wife, Kathleen; his beloved puppy Bruno; brothers, Ralph and Elaine Hoffman of FL and James and Dorothy Hoffman of FL/RI; sisters-in-law, Patricia Wadsworth of Whitesboro, Sue Wadsworth of KS; many nieces and nephews. Also special nephew and nieces, Roy and April Burkhart for caring for him while his wife was in hospital and recently setting up his hospital bed at home and being there for him; Gretchen and Greg Sacco for visiting him at home, in the hospital and nursing home, and for bringing his brother Ralph on many visits; Karen Wentworth for always taking time to visit while he was in hospital; close friends Minnie and Steve Reilly and Lori and Art Nemyj. He was predeceased by his parents; beloved sisters-in-law, Mary Jane Hoffman, Georgianne Hoffman, Jean Burkhart and Beverly Wentworth; brothers-in-law, Alan, Jim, Mert and Mat Wadsworth, Roy Burkhart Sr., and Red Wentworth; and his beloved canines, Candy and Blossom. His family thanks the Lutheran Home staff for his care. There will be no public services. Burial will be private for the family. Arrangements by Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers, please give to your favorite charity in his memory.