2024 after a hard-fought & courageous battle with cancer. David was the beloved husband and
life partner to Beryl, proud father to his children Ari & Molly, a cherished “FIL” (father-in-law) to
Sandra, and adoring gramps of Adam & Ben. He was son to Adele (Z”L) and Frank (Z”L) and
brother to Kenny and Warren (Z”L). David was the brother-in-law to Janet Andron Hoffman,
Anita Levin & John Rafkin, and Carla & Lenny Feinkind. David was an uncle, cousin, friend and
mentor to so many.
David will be remembered for his commitment to his career and giving back to the community,
for his endless curiosity, and his love of family & friends.
David was a Management Consultant at Oliver Wyman for almost four decades, ultimately
leading the Global Energy Practice. He traveled the world, built meaningful and lifelong
relationships with colleagues and clients, and loved to solve challenging, complex business
problems. Once David retired, he was able to dedicate more time to Tikkun Olam (making the
world a better place). He served on the board of Boston University Hillel and Hebrew College
where he instilled in his fellow board members the “love of the balance sheet.” He
enthusiastically paired his professional experiences with personal passions to help strengthen
the Jewish community. David made a profound impact on all his professional and philanthropic
pursuits.
David was a lifelong learner. He loved to feed his brain on a surprisingly wide range of topics –
from the frozen water industry to global diplomacy. He was an avid reader and, in retirement,
audited graduate-level classes to expand his knowledge of history and international relations.
David loved to travel with family and friends - visiting 47 out of the 50 states, and countless
countries on almost every continent. David’s endless curiosity and love of learning inspired and
enriched so many.
Growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, David was the youngest of the Hoffman “boys.” His parents,
Frank and Adele, instilled in the “boys” the importance of giving back. David’s parents dedicated
their time to cultivating the Jewish community in St. Louis and would have been so proud of
David’s work to strengthen the Jewish community in Boston. His father, Frank, inspired David as
an early international business traveler. His mother, Adele, had a warm and loving, yet steadfast
demeanor for what she believed to be right – all characteristics David possessed. Frank and
Adele would have been so proud of the life David led.
David loved his brothers so much. He cherished Sunday mornings at the zoo with his dad and
brothers as some of his favorite childhood memories. David admired Kenny’s “all-in and
passionate” approach to life. Together, they’ve carried on the stories and values from their
childhood into their respective homes and families. David also loved spending time with the
extended Hoffman, Horowitz and Loeb families at Jewish holidays (Sukkot with the Hoffmans
and Passover with the Loebs), reunion weekends (enjoying Lake Michigan or weekends in
Bethel), and various celebrations or simchot. David had such wonderful relationships with his
nieces, nephews & cousins.
David was lucky to have lifelong friends from every chapter of his life. Colleagues and clients
who became close friends, and close friends who became family. Childhood best friends from
St. Louis, friends from college, colleagues, and friends from life in Boston. David cherished
creating memories with his friends, traveling together & celebrating both Jewish and non-Jewish
holidays with his many friends.
David was a one-of-a-kind dad to Ari and Molly. No matter where in the world David was
traveling, he always called home (multiple times a day) to check in. He ensured his kids had the
confidence and ability to pursue their dreams.
While David very clearly passed on all of his mannerisms and sayings to Ari, he also instilled a
round-the-clock work ethic, love for and responsibility towards the State of Israel. And most
importantly, the understanding that the two most important jobs are to be a good husband and
father. David will miss Jeep rides with Ari, carving the Thanksgiving turkey together, and long
daily catch ups on work, family and politics.
The “dadster” loved the “mollster” and passed along so much of his personality, confidence and
humor to her. From David, Molly learned the importance of building lifelong community and the
ability to connect with people from all walks of life. They shared a love of talking business from
startups on Shark Tank to discussing David’s career in Energy and Molly’s work with Electric
Vehicles. David has also shared the importance of finding joy and creating meaning in Jewish
traditions.
David also had a very special relationship with his “DIL” (daughter-in-law), Sandra. They loved
to talk about familial ancestry, Judaism, and Israel. Sandra loved her “FIL” (Father-in-law) so
much, she moved in with her in-laws for the past two summers so David could be close to his
grandkids while in treatment.
David instilled in Ari, Molly & Sandra a love of family, the importance of giving back, a sense of
humor, dancing to Motown music, and appreciation for chilled chocolate cake. David was the
very best dad and his kids felt his love every day. He was enormously proud of his kids.
“Gramps,” as he preferred to be called, adored his grandsons, Adam and Ben (“Boony
boonster!” he would say). He loved reading them stories, enjoying afternoon popsicles on the
porch and going on adventures around Austin and Boston. More than anything, he loved
watching them grow, discover and learn. There is so much of David in Adam and Ben already.
Beryl and David’s marriage was based on partnership, shared values, and love. Together they
lived life to the fullest, whether traveling the world or taking long rides in David’s jeep (fondly
named Willy). They fused their individual upbringings into a thoughtfully and respectfully
combined expression of their Judaism - always celebrating the meaning behind traditions and
ensuring everyone felt welcome at their holiday celebrations. David felt Beryl’s unwavering
commitment and support during his battle with cancer - never missing an infusion or doctor’s
appointment. Their 36-year marriage was filled with so much love, dancing, and endless
laughter. Beryl was the love of David’s life.
David passed far too soon. His loved ones will miss him dearly, carry on his legacy, and take
comfort knowing he’ll always be with us in spirit.
—-
Please join us in remembering David & celebrating his life at his funeral, burial & shiva.
Funeral
The funeral service and celebration of David’s life will be held at Hebrew College.
● Details:
○ Address: 1860 Washington St, Auburndale, MA
○ His funeral service will begin at 2pm on Wednesday, September 25th.
Burial
David will be buried next to his parents, Frank (Z”L) and Adele (Z”L) Hoffman and his brother,
Warren Hoffman (Z”L) at Americus Cemetery..
● Details:
○ Address: 455 North Midland Avenue Saddle Brook, NJ 07663
○ Burial will begin in the morning on Thursday, September 26th
Shiva
● Shiva will be held at David’s brother & sister in law’s house on Thursday, Friday day,
and Sunday
○ Kenny & Janet’s Address: 637 North Forest Ave, Teaneck, NJ 07666
○ Shiva will begin at 2pm on Thursday and will end at 6pm on Friday, before
Shabbat. Shiva will continue on Sunday.
● Shiva will relocate to Beryl & David’s home in Needham, Massachusetts on Monday &
Tuesday. All are welcome after 3pm on Monday.
○ Address: 21 Colonial Road, Needham, MA 02492
If you have any questions - please contact Sandra Cohen Hoffman: 310-963-4393
—-
Donations
If you’d like to make a donation in David’s honor, donations can be made to Hebrew College or
Boston University Hillel - the two organizations where he proudly served on the Board.
● Hebrew College: Donations will go to the David Hoffman Tamid Fund for Adult Learning
- Jewish History, Israeli Society, and Contemporary Thought
Link: www.hebrewcollege.edu/tamid-fund
● BU Hillel: Donations will go to fighting Anti-Semtism and supporting Jewish students on
campus.
Link: https://www.bu.edu/hillel/honordavidh/
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