Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
Christopher Hodgman Obituary
Rochester - Died on June 2, 2019, at age 87, in Rochester, NY. Son of the late Crosby Gilman Hodgman and Donna Hampton Hodgman. He was born on October 28, 1931, in Chicago. He was educated at the Chicago Latin School, the Dublin School, the Cambridge School of Weston, Harvard College, and the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons. He served as a captain in the U.S. Army in Germany, where he was surgeon for a tank battalion and later was attached to the Army hospital in Berlin. Afterwards, having completed the residency in psychiatry at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, he worked in that department. He taught generations of young doctors, spoke widely in the community, and maintained a small private practice. He retired as a professor of child and adolescent psychiatry.
He is survived by his wife, Joanna Bailey Hodgman; his children Ann Hampton Hodgman (David Owen), Catherine Hodgman Helm (Mark), Cornelia Hodgman McNeal (Joel Ferber), and Edward Bailey Hodgman (Tamara). He is also survived by his grandchildren Laura Owen (Kevin O'Keefe), John Owen (Maisie Allison), Elizabeth and Sarah Helm, Jackson and Kate McNeal, and Christopher and Anne Hodgman; his great-grandchildren Alice and Hugh O'Keefe; and his nieces Victoria Bailey (David Noling) and Sarah Bailey (Robert Gale).
A memorial service will be scheduled. Those wishing to do so may contribute to the Highland Park Conservancy, the Palliative Care Unit at Strong Memorial Hospital, or Child and Adolescent Services at Strong.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Hodgman
Thomas L. Applin, M.D.
June 27, 2025
I'm six years late. I just stumbled on Chris' obit when reviewing some memories of my time at Strong Memorial at the end of my senior year at Upstate Medical. I had signed up for a two month rotation in Adolescent Medicine at Strong which was supervised by Dr. Elizabeth McAnarney. She was a bright light in Adolescent Medicine and quickly introduced me to Dr.Hodgman. It was a great rotation, in large part due to my supervision by Chris. A great doctor and a sensitive human being who was wonderful with adolescent patients......and with me!
Thomas L. Applin (Upstate class of 1974)
Bethesda, Maryland
Margaret Lindsey, mentee
June 5, 2024
I " second" what Dr Kreipe said. I also try to imagine what his wry comments on current life would be.
Richard E. Kreipe
June 3, 2024
Chris continues to be my North Star when interacting with adolescents, realizing how they often feel very vulnerable...
Richard Kreipe, MD
June 5, 2023
Chris was an amazing mentor to me and so many other physicians learning to care for adolescents and their families. His legacy lives on in those he helped train to be "ever better"...
Margaret Lindsey MD
June 3, 2023
4 years now and Dr. Hodgman´s essence is still with so many of his trainees. He had seen and heard everything and he sought to teach with quick humor articulated by haute irony befitting of the highly educated man he was. I never forgot his origins at Hull House, Chicago, where his parents worked; it was an establishment founded by Jane Addams, advocate of play for children and a huge center where an array of social services were dispensed to struggling migrants. That is how he could seamlessly fit into rural upstate New York school consultant roles and explain to me one day, the origin of the name , " Short Track". His practice style was pragmatic and he proposed doable effective treatment plans. He left his position at Monroe County detention center to Henry Cretella,MD, for whom I worked. I continue to work there. I thank him for his light touch, his pragmatist approach, his humor, and his storytelling about Germany and family vacations with the Babineau´s and a certain "chef." Greetings and best wishes to Chris´ family!!
Henry Cretella
June 4, 2022
I have so many memories, so many stories because he holds a great space in my heart. I still wish i could go to lunch with him and catch up.
Richard E. Kreipe
June 4, 2022
Chris continues to be a guiding force in life for me...
Kathleen FitzPatrick
June 3, 2022
Sometimes my meetings with Chris involved trying to keep up with him as he raced down the hall on his way to another meeting. Once I peeled an orange price tag off the shoulder of his white coat that he´d somehow picked up. He joked that was what he was
worth. Another time he told me, with mild chagrin, that one of our patients told him his bow tie was "squat." I remember Chris fondly.
Richard E Kreipe
June 3, 2021
Chris continues to be a guiding force as I mentor the next generation of trainees in pediatrics and adolescent medicine as Professor Emeritus. Meliora,
John P. Glazer
March 15, 2021
Dear Joanna,
You and Chris (I never quite got being comfortable calling him "Kit", which is my issue, not his!) were deeply important to our lives, Diana's and mine, in his recruitment of us to Rochester and in your support and friendship during our four years there. I'll never forget the lunch you hosted for Diana and me at your gracious home which clinched our decision to move to Rochester every bit as much as the more formal recruitment process did. This message is late in coming as I just learned today of Chris' passing from AACAP News, seeing Adrian Sondheimer's contribution in his memory. I sincerely hope you and your marvelous brood of children, grand children and great grandchildren are well. Fondly, John Glazer
Cynthia Consaul
June 4, 2020
I remember how genuine and willing he was to share his knowledge with anyone who asked for his assistance.
Jeff Balch
February 12, 2020
Dear Cornelia,
Very sorry to hear this. I think I met your dad just once, but I remember getting the sense of a real gentleman. (I learned of his death in an offbeat way: picked up David Owen's book, Volume Control, saw on the flap that he's married to Ann, then saw news of your dad when I googled.) Hope you've been well. I'm okay, married with a couple of 20-ish kids, living in Chicago. Still in touch with Bruce Musgrave of BHS fame... Well, best wishes & a hug to you and your family. - Jeff
August 30, 2019
Dear Cornelia,
I was so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was such an exceptional man. I remember him as being so kind and gentle. Prayers to you and your family.
Fondly,
Chris Bagby Sadowski
Meera Kandlikar
August 23, 2019
Dear Joanna,
My thoughts and prayers go to you and your family. I learned a lot from Dr. Hodgman. He was my friend and mentor. I am deeply sad and shocked with this sad news.
Stephen Buff
July 26, 2019
Dear Ms. Hodgman,
We were sorry to learn of the loss of your husband, Dr. Christopher Hodgman. My sister, Myrna Buff Berger, who passed away in 2008, was in his care for many years. I always heard his name in our house, even when I was a teenager, although I never met him. I was impressed, however, to learn more about his fine career from his obituary.
Dr. Hodgman was a major figure in my sisters life. So after Myrnas memorial service, I sent him a copy of her eulogy and he returned a warm letter in which he expressed empathy for Chuck Berger, her husband, my late father, Dr. Louis Buff, as well as a brief appreciation of Myrnas life. He wrote I do know that she enlarged the lives of many of us by her courage and zest for life. Those words are golden.
So we remember Dr. Hodgman for his kindness, his devotion and patience, and his long-standing care for Myrna.
You have our sincere condolences. May the memory of Christopher Hodgman be a blessing to you and your family.
Stephen A. Buff, Ph.D.
Stephen Buff
July 26, 2019
Dear Ms. Hodgman,
We were sorry to learn of the loss of your husband, Dr. Christopher Hodgman. My sister, Myrna Buff Berger, who passed away in 2008, was in his care for many years. I always heard his name in our house, even when I was a teenager, although I never met him. I was impressed, however, to learn about his fine career from his obituary.
Dr. Hodgman was a major figure in my sisters life. So after Myrnas memorial service, I sent him a copy of her eulogy and he returned a warm letter in which he expressed empathy for Chuck Berger, her husband, for my late father, Dr. Louis Buff, as well as a brief appreciation of Myrnas life. He wrote I do know that she enlarged the lives of many of us by her courage and zest for life. Those words are golden.
So we remember Dr. Hodgman for his kindness, his patience, and his long-standing care for Myrna.
You have our sincere condolences. May the memory of Christopher Hodgman be a blessing to you and your family.
Stephen A. Buff, Ph.D.
Cynthia Consaul
June 21, 2019
He was very open and willing to share his knowledge when asked. I had the pleasure of getting his input on a case I was working with in the 80's.
David Tinling
June 16, 2019
Dear Joanna: I am saddened learning about your loss. It has had me recalling those special days in training when we all were a pretty tight and supportive group and how we did pretty well with all the adversity while still receiving A-1 training. Chris gave me valuable tips about my Army tour in Germany and taught me a few good moves on the ski slopes. He always had a spark and good word for the people in his life. He will be missed. You have my deepest sympathy, David Tinling
Joanne Anderson
June 15, 2019
Dr. Hodgman will never be forgotten by me, Joanne Anderson. He was my son's psychiatrist, Christopher (formerly Heidi) Swartz. He was the only one my son respected and would talk to. Dr. Hodgman was able
to admit Chris to the psychiatric unit at the Strong Hospital. My son and I have fond memories of his competent and supporting care. May he rest in peace.
Richard and Rita Gollin
June 13, 2019
Chris's affability, congeniality, and good sense have been a part of our lives since we arrived in Rochester. Whether we were chatting or merely noticing him and Joanna across Kilbourn Hall (all of us anticipating the same imminent concert), he never failed to make us feel more equable. Even when he and Dick were both on the UR Senate Steering Committee in troubled times, and our children were young, our shared official and personal concerns always felt resolvable. -- Dick and Rita Gollin
June 11, 2019
To Joanna: My sympathy and prayers go to you and your family. At the same time I gratefully remember wonderful interactions with Chris in the halls of URMC, as well as happy RPO days on the 4th of July at Canandaigua. It was a rich pleasure to call him a friend. Blessings and peace to him.
Dan Tormey
Mary Beauchamp
June 10, 2019
To the Hodgman family: I came to know Chris by volunteering at Durand Eastman Park with him. He was happy to share his knowledge, but never took his role too seriously. Much like his professional life, he was a nurturer, & he'll be missed.
Sharon
June 10, 2019
When I consider the ways my life has been blessed, having Dr. Hodgman as a doctor ranks among the very top. He continued to treat me even when the insurance ran out. And I was a terrible patient. It took me years to get better but Dr. Hodgman never gave up, even when I nearly did. He had the patience of a saint and such a heart for people. I will always thank him and the Lord that I'm alive and doing so well today. My deepest condolences to his family. I pray the Lord's presence and love provide you great peace and comfort during this time of loss. God bless you, Dr. Hodgman, and thank you so much for being the determined, dedicated, encouraging, honorable person you were.
Rich Kreipe
June 10, 2019
Chris was the physician that every medical student should aspire to be. Curious, intelligent, nurturing, kind, perceptive, insightful, accepting, motivating, intuitive, empirical, calm, patient, hard-working, determined, gentle, never taking himself to seriously, but always focused on the best interests of his patients. As one of my mentors, he made me a better physician. Thank you, Chris. Peace.
Kathleen FitzPatrick
June 9, 2019
Offering my deepest condolences to Chris's family. Chris was very special to all of us who knew and esteemed him as our boss, as a physician and as a friend.
Kathleen FitzPatrick
David Kaspersin
June 9, 2019
Dr. Hodgeman tought me to Live my Life. I am forever grateful.
Dave Kaspersin
June 9, 2019
He truly was an excellent doctor and a good man. May God bless him.
Melannie
Henry Cretella
June 8, 2019
Dear Chris - such a good man, dedicated teacher, friend and support, all with a sense of humor. I am lucky and honored to have crossed paths with him. I miss him but cherish his memory. Henry Cretella M.D.
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results
Make a Donation
in Christopher Hodgman's name
Memorial Events
for Christopher Hodgman
How to support Christopher's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Christopher Hodgman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
