Glenn W. Hoffman
Living Memorial & Celebration of Life October 5, 1946 - December 25, 2023Conventional obituaries are simply too impersonal for Glenn’s memory. His life and legacy are way too rich for column-inches in newsprint.
He deserves a “Glenn-appropriate” Tribute!
So we’ll follow Glenn’s respectful disregard for convention and take an unusual path — a Living Memorial website. Here his friends and family can see how truly phenomenal he was— how talented, respected, admired, and loved! His memory can then be honored and preserved the way he lived…through words AND pictures.
We hope this makes you remember and smile as much as we did creating it.
~ Karen, his best friend, partner & wife.
April 23, 2002 Eze, France
Our modern Renaissance Man
Without hesitation, Glenn can be called a true, modern-day “Renaissance Man”
“A person with genuine competence in and understanding of multiple fields, all of which complement one another to make him a more talented and productive person.”
Rare today. That’s why it’s been so sad to share that he’s left us – at least here on earth. He was one of the most remarkable, loving “Renaissance Men” ever.
But maybe this visual celebration of the things most important to his own heart and soul— his people, his creativity and his love of travel — will keep him alive in our hearts in a new way.
Imagination creates reality!
From his prestigious Pratt Institute graduation, to accolades and awards at Madison Avenue’s renowned Ogilvy & Mather Advertising, his creativity and talent knew no bounds.
His fierce independence and intolerance for limitations led him to found his own successful agency, GW Hoffman Marketing, in Darien CT. He and the agency brought awarding-winning business results to some of the biggest brands we all know and love — a realllly long list. (One he always challenged me to remember when asked, “So, did you work on anything famous?”) He was rightfully proud. So we honor him here.
People loved working alongside him as both his clients and as his business partners, seeing his brilliance shine and learning from it. Some of us are still learning from him.
Through it all, Glenn gave careers, camaraderie, and 35 years of fun to dozens of people. He was undeniably one of a kind.
Limitless talent!
Remarkable creativity!
He was as adept with a sketch artist’s charcoal pencil as a delicate watercolor brush; a director’s script or photographer’s lens; a sculptor’s knife or homeowner’s hammer and nails. But you’d never know it, because he was as humble and self-effacing as he was talented.
There was nothing this man couldn’t do when he put his mind to it. Whether portraits, paintings, photos or even houses (especially houses!), Glenn created beauty from nothing wherever he looked. And he did so by challenging convention, thinking differently, and being true to his own unique vision. Simply humble BRILLIANCE!
“To travel is to live!”
- Hans Christian AndersenGlenn traveled the world with incredible joie de vivre and gave once-in-a-lifetime experiences to his family to cherish forever. From our treasured France to his beloved Egypt, adventures spanned the US coast to coast, Europe, the Caribbean, and fantastic ports of call in the South Pacific, Asia, Central America, South America, and Africa. He left us with only Tibet, Machu Picchu, and the Galapagos on his “Bucket List!”
So many memories, for so many of us. Travel was a passion he let us all experience through his talented eyes. Because OH, his photos!
A heart as big as his infectious smile
He loved his great big blended family to the core, and left us all with a hole in our hearts — his son Glenn Hoffman II (Patricia), daughter Allison Ball (Geoff), granddaughters Samantha Ball, Anna Hoffman, Courtney Ball, and grandson Ryan Hoffman; his brother Cliff Hoffman (Nancy), nieces Nancy Brooke Hoffman and Jillian Scheschuk, and nephews Cliff Hoffman Jr. (Rachael), Brian Hoffman (Sara), Dan Scheschuk (Sandy), and Joe Scheschuk (Danielle). And so, so sadly, he left me, too, his wife, Karen… but not completely, as I will always carry his spirit and zest for life within me.
He also made room in his heart for the many sisters- and brothers-in law, on all sides of his family plus a bevy of grandnieces — with a heart that was as big as his infectious smile.
Time to go home…
I believe that his parents could never have realized at the time, the gift they gave to the world on October 5, 1946. Because from his beginnings in Flushing Queens, this man took on the world… and won!
Little publicized, but after more than 3 years, Glenn had triumphed as a “medical miracle” from a traumatic brain injury in 2020. With love and hard work, we fought together doggedly to achieve a much celebrated 90% recovery, to live an increasingly fun, full, happy life! Heartfelt gratitude to the dozens of doctors, nurses and techs who shepherded us along the way— most notably the phenomenal miracle workers at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Extraordinary care!
But on Christmas Day, 2023, Glenn had finally grown deservedly tired. He went back home, welcomed with open arms by his beloved parents, Jean & Cliff, and mine, Pat & Bernie, who just adored him. He was also, I’m certain, immediately encircled with love & laughter, by (way too many , too soon) treasured childhood friends who predeceased him.
He was at our home on Hilton Head Island, SC surrounded by his immediate family, and at genuine, well-deserved peace.
Love, laughter and a toast
Glenn’s absence will have an impact on the life of anyone he knew. Of that, I’m sure. None greater than mine. Or his children’s.
He gave us all so many moments of laughter and smiles, jokes, tales, and memories to tide us over for a very long time. Just not long enough.
So please recall one of those favorite memories and toast this force of nature! Remember him. Miss him. And wish him an eternity of peace and happiness. He earned it.
Glenn, we love you with all of our hearts.
“Can’t wait to see you again.”
Pay his talent forward…
In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, donations may be made to The Glenn W. Hoffman Innovation & Creativity Scholarship, an award being established by his family to carry on Glenn’s legacy of out-of-the box, convention-busting creativity. It will be given to a deserving Darien (CT) High School senior, pursuing a BFA degree to help realize Glenn’s same dream of a career in the visual arts.
The scholarship will be a part of the Darien Community Association’s “Scholarship 2024 Campaign” – while donations can easily be made online, please specify “IN HONOR OF GLENN HOFFMAN” to ensure that the gift is appropriately acknowledged.
Go To ScholarshipEssence
Our modern Renaissance Man
Without hesitation, Glenn can be called a true, modern-day “Renaissance Man”
“A person with genuine competence in and understanding of multiple fields, all of which complement one another to make him a more talented and productive person.”
Rare today. That’s why it’s been so sad to share that he’s left us – at least here on earth. He was one of the most remarkable, loving “Renaissance Men” ever.
But maybe this visual celebration of the things most important to his own heart and soul— his people, his creativity and his love of travel — will keep him alive in our hearts in a new way.
Only getting started…click the arrows to see more images.
Glenn Hoffman. The next Impressionist?
He saw the idea & potential that no one else did!
A visionary’s many tools…
Even the local news loved his talent…
His dad's portrait with only a crayon on a placemat.
OH to see through your eyes!
Incomprehensible talent!
He changed the game with his creativity & storytelling!
Success
Imagination creates reality!
From his prestigious Pratt Institute graduation, to accolades and awards at Madison Avenue’s renowned Ogilvy & Mather Advertising, his creativity and talent knew no bounds.
His fierce independence and intolerance for limitations led him to found his own successful agency, GW Hoffman Marketing, in Darien CT. He and the agency brought awarding-winning business results to some of the biggest brands we all know and love — a realllly long list. (One he always challenged me to remember when asked, “So, did you work on anything famous?”) He was rightfully proud. So we honor him here.
People loved working alongside him as both his clients and as his business partners, seeing his brilliance shine and learning from it. Some of us are still learning from him.
Through it all, Glenn gave careers, camaraderie, and 35 years of fun to dozens of people. He was undeniably one of a kind.
Honored at Pratt 50th Anniversary, Radio City Music Hall, NYC
To name a few… so proud!
European Award Winner
“Glenn is the Official Photographer of Puerto Rico!" ~ Gov. Colon
Glenn WINS the “Folgers Wars”
GWH fame at General Foods grew!
“100 Best TV Spots”
(Ad Age)
GWH talent with Hollywood style
Work hard. Play Hard.
Creativity
Limitless talent!
Remarkable creativity!
He was as adept with a sketch artist’s charcoal pencil as a delicate watercolor brush; a director’s script or photographer’s lens; a sculptor’s knife or homeowner’s hammer and nails. But you’d never know it, because he was as humble and self-effacing as he was talented.
There was nothing this man couldn’t do when he put his mind to it. Whether portraits, paintings, photos or even houses (especially houses!), Glenn created beauty from nothing wherever he looked. And he did so by challenging convention, thinking differently, and being true to his own unique vision. Simply humble BRILLIANCE!
Watch out, Cezanne!
Only a master’s delicate hand...
A perfect "South of France"... before ever visiting!
Stunning talent… at 15 years old
Vision to house to home.
So talented. Pensive. Young.
Inconceivable detail!
His Mother Goose rendition!
Canal du Midi camera magic
And a sculptor, too?
A "New Yorker" original by Glenn
The St. Louis Arch, as only Glenn could capture it!
No task too small for humor. Check out book titles!
Sad but beautiful.
Wine Time in the early days.
Creating treasures from others' trash!
Pencil Masterpiece!
21 and so talented!
Portrait of Mom at 14. Astonishing likeness!
The Selfie of All Selfies... before there were Selfies. OH HIS CREATIVE IMAGINATION!
The Master of Detail!
Why, why, why was this never framed in our home? Long lost portfolio...
Campaigns filled with "real life moments" earned him such accolades!
Still life beauty, with style!
Travel
“To travel is to live!”
- Hans Christian AndersenGlenn traveled the world with incredible joie de vivre and gave once-in-a-lifetime experiences to his family to cherish forever. From our treasured France to his beloved Egypt, adventures spanned the US coast to coast, Europe, the Caribbean, and fantastic ports of call in the South Pacific, Asia, Central America, South America, and Africa. He left us with only Tibet, Machu Picchu, and the Galapagos on his “Bucket List!”
So many memories, for so many of us. Travel was a passion he let us all experience through his talented eyes. Because OH, his photos!
Beloved Egypt x 3. 4?
Giza, Egypt. Again.
Lake Como, Italy
Bangkok, Thailand
Positano, Italy
Pointe du Hoc / Normandy, France
Land’s End / Los Cabos, Mexico
Ephesus, Turkey
Delos, Greece
Jackson Hole, WY
Monte Carlo, Monaco
The Floating Market/ Bangkok, Thailand
The Colosseum/ Rome, Italy
The Sea of Galilee, Israel
Garden of Gethsemane / Jerusalem, Israel
Masada & The Dead Sea, Israel
"it's MR Camel to you!" Somewhere, Egypt
Bora Bora, Tahiti
Bangkok, Thailand
Chang Mai, Thailand
Phuket, Thailand
Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
Dingle, Ireland
Coastal Cottages, Western Ireland
Centuries of Skylines/ London, England
Mont St. Michel, France
Honfleur, France
La Rochelle, France
Omaha Beach/ Normandy, France
D-Day Cemetery/ Normandy, France
Asnelles, France
St. Emilion, France
Eiffel Tower a la Glenn/ Paris, France
Paris, France
Chateau Eza Hotel/ Eze, France
Party Deck, La Perouse Hotel/ Nice, France
La Perouse Hotel/ Nice, France
Amoudi/ Santorini, Greece
Sunset at Amoudi/ Santorini, Greece
Imerovigli/ Santorini, Greece
Cable Car to Fira/ Santorini, Greece
Famous Franco's/ Fira/ Santorini, Greece
Perissa Beach/ Santorini, Greece
Oia/ Santorini, Greece
The Hidden "Atlantis?" / Akrotiri/ Santorini, Greece
Mykonos, Greece
"Little Venice"/ Mykonos, Greece
Nafplion, Greece
Quiet Quai/ Nafplion, Greece
Bourtzi Castle/ Nafplion, Greece
Epidaurus, Greece
Dalmation Coast, Croatia
Split, Croatia
Positano, Italy
Blue Grotto/ Capri, Italy
Mennaggio/ Lake Como, Italy
Trevi Fountain/ Rome, Italy
The Pantheon within Real Life / Rome, Italy
The amazing "Oculus" of The Pantheon/ Rome, Italy
Everyday Life of an Artist/ Rome, Italy
Lisbon, Portugal
The Mighty Rock of Gibraltar
Park Guell/ Barcelona, Spain
Cours Saleya/ Vieux Nice, France
Hagia Sophia Mosque/ Istanbul, Turkey
The Blue Mosque/ Istanbul, Turkey
The Blue Mosque/ Istanbul, Turkey
The Blue Mosque/ Istanbul, Turkey
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Canal du Midi Tranquility, France
"St Somewhere"/ Canal du Midi , France
Yes! It's REAL and UNretouched/ Somewhere in France!
"Oh yes we did!"/ Self-Captained Cruising/ Canal du Midi, France
Parallel Parking/ Canal du Midi, France
Overnight Accommodations Onboard /Canal du Midi, France
Napa Valley, CA
Yellowstone, WY
(Confidently taken while driving!) Death Valley, CA
Death Valley, CA
Death Valley, CA
Death Valley, CA
Canyon Adventures in AZ
Endless Canyons, AZ
Grand Canyon, AZ
Tiny person, massive Salt Flats/ Death Valley, CA
The Petrified Forest National Park, AZ
Death Valley, CA
VLA/ Socorro, NM
Viva Las Vegas, NV
Lake Mead, NV
Long Bay/ Tortola, BVI
Mamora Bay, Antigua
The Mission Inn/ Riverside, CA
Poets Row/The Mission Inn/ Riverside, CA
The Mission Inn/ Riverside, CA
The Biltmore/ Ashville, NC
The Blue Ridge Mountains/ Ashville, NC
The Berkshires, MA
Pittsfield, MA
Mt Greylock/ The Berkshires, MA
Krakow, WI
Lordship, CT
Hudson's Dock/ Hilton Head Island, SC
Home Sweet Home/ Hilton Head Island, SC
Family
A heart as big as his infectious smile
He loved his great big blended family to the core, and left us all with a hole in our hearts — his son Glenn Hoffman II (Patricia), daughter Allison Ball (Geoff), granddaughters Samantha Ball, Anna Hoffman, Courtney Ball, and grandson Ryan Hoffman; his brother Cliff Hoffman (Nancy), nieces Nancy Brooke Hoffman and Jillian Scheschuk, and nephews Cliff Hoffman Jr. (Rachael), Brian Hoffman (Sara), Dan Scheschuk (Sandy), and Joe Scheschuk (Danielle). And so, so sadly, he left me, too, his wife, Karen… but not completely, as I will always carry his spirit and zest for life within me.
He also made room in his heart for the many sisters- and brothers-in law, on all sides of his family plus a bevy of grandnieces — with a heart that was as big as his infectious smile.
Our “Captain.”
Simply love. Villefranche sur Mer, France
The 3 Musketeers. Atlanta, GA
The whole gang! Old Nice, France
Hoffmans & Balls, NYC
The Cliff Hoffmans. Hilton Head, SC
1 Goyette, 2 Hoffmans and soon to be 7 Scheschuks,
Grand Cayman
Extended Hoffman/Ball Holiday. NYC
Extended Goyette Clan. Lordship, CT
A bevy of Hoffmans
Journey
Time to go home…
I believe that his parents could never have realized at the time, the gift they gave to the world on October 5, 1946. Because from his beginnings in Flushing Queens, this man took on the world… and won!
Little publicized, but after more than 3 years, Glenn had triumphed as a “medical miracle” from a traumatic brain injury in 2020. With love and hard work, we fought together doggedly to achieve a much celebrated 90% recovery, to live an increasingly fun, full, happy life! Heartfelt gratitude to the dozens of doctors, nurses and techs who shepherded us along the way— most notably the phenomenal miracle workers at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Extraordinary care!
But on Christmas Day, 2023, Glenn had finally grown deservedly tired. He went back home, welcomed with open arms by his beloved parents, Jean & Cliff, and mine, Pat & Bernie, who just adored him. He was also, I’m certain, immediately encircled with love & laughter, by (way too many , too soon) treasured childhood friends who predeceased him.
He was at our home on Hilton Head Island, SC surrounded by his immediate family, and at genuine, well-deserved peace.
Jean and Cliff Hoffman, his loving parents
Pat Goyette, mother-in-law and "Partner in Crime"!
Bernie Goyette, father-in-law
Vickie Valenti, life-long friend
Danny Cross, childhood friend & Allison's godfather
John Buttacoli, friend for over 50 years
Our sweet Cheyenne with Cliff
Celebration
Love, laughter and a toast
Glenn’s absence will have an impact on the life of anyone he knew. Of that, I’m sure. None greater than mine. Or his children’s.
He gave us all so many moments of laughter and smiles, jokes, tales, and memories to tide us over for a very long time. Just not long enough.
So please recall one of those favorite memories and toast this force of nature! Remember him. Miss him. And wish him an eternity of peace and happiness. He earned it.
Glenn, we love you with all of our hearts.
“Can’t wait to see you again.”
Cheers! On the beach / Nice, FR
Cheers! Mongolian Dingbats / Castaway, Fiji
Cheers! Nantucket, MA
Cheers! Newport Beach, CA
Cheers! Favorite Campo de' Fiori / Rome, Italy
Cheers! Westport, CT
Cheers! Boston, MA
Cheers! Split, Croatia
Cheers! Eze, France
Scholarship
Pay his talent forward…
In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, donations may be made to The Glenn W. Hoffman Innovation & Creativity Scholarship, an award being established by his family to carry on Glenn’s legacy of out-of-the box, convention-busting creativity. It will be given to a deserving Darien (CT) High School senior, pursuing a BFA degree to help realize Glenn’s same dream of a career in the visual arts.
The scholarship will be a part of the Darien Community Association’s “Scholarship 2024 Campaign” – while donations can easily be made online, please specify “IN HONOR OF GLENN HOFFMAN” to ensure that the gift is appropriately acknowledged.
Go To Scholarship
King of Defiance