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Jacob F. Ruth Funeral Directors, Inc.

8413 Germantown Avenue

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

JEFFREY HOELTZEL Obituary

HOELTZEL JEFFREY ALAN Beloved son of the late Rev. Russell and Virginia Hoeltzel, passed away peacefully in hospice care on October 18, 2021. He was educated in the Avon-Grove and Garnet Valley School Districts, and graduated from Central High School in Philadelphia. He subsequently earned a B.A. in History with honors at Drew University and an M.Sc. in International History with honors from The London School of Economics. Jeff worked as a history teacher and psychologist at a variety of institutions, including the Pennsylvania Institute of the Pennsylvania Hospital, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Seaman's Institute, Horizon House, and COMHAR with Dr. Anthony Fauci. In addition to living most of his life in Pennsylvania, Jeff traveled widely and maintained a second residence in Vienna, Austria. He was widely consulted as a YELP food critic and was involved in musical, theater and art events, both in Philadelphia and Vienna and throughout Europe. Jeff was a faithful member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Chestnut Hill, where he served on the Vestry, ushered, and worked in outreach, especially feeding the hungry and housing the homeless. He contributed to and was active in many additional charities and volunteered in an endless number of events. In addition to many friends and family members, Jeff is survived by brothers Keir (Michael), Leslie (Penny), and sister Jann (Robin) Hoeltzel. Contributions in his name may be made to Friends of the Wissahickon. (JACOB F. RUTH)

To plant trees in memory, please visit theĀ Sympathy Store.

Published by The Philadelphia Inquirer on Nov. 14, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for JEFFREY HOELTZEL

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Cliff Spohn

January 9, 2025

Jeff, I believe never had a bad word about anyone. He was one of the most positive people I have known.

Volkan Acar

January 8, 2025

I met Jeffrey when I was 18 years old while serving as a third officer on a ship that brought cargo to the port of Wilmington, Delaware. The ship experienced a fire in its holds and was later towed to a pier in Camden, where extinguishing efforts lasted for two months. At the time, he was also serving at the Seaman's Institute. During that difficult period, he treated us like a brother, a friend, and a father-almost as if he were part of our family-helping the ship and crew navigate through challenging times. For years, I tried to reach him, but only today, thanks to the internet, I learned of his passing. May God bless his soul abundantly, and I extend my heartfelt condolences to all his loved ones.

Tom E Bowers

November 4, 2022

On rereading this, I wonder if Episcopal“s have saints.

Tom E Bowers

November 4, 2022

Jeff saw beauty and shared widely.

Patty

December 17, 2021

I met Jeff during a French course in Switzerland over 20 years ago. Ever the gentleman, he was assisting a lady in black patent shoes while trekking in the Jura mountains during an excursion. Not sure how we started talking but he was so much fun and very kind. My deepest sympathies to his family. I so sorry for your loss.

Gillian Brown

December 11, 2021

Jeff and I met on an 8-day holiday to Russia in February 1974 and hit it off immediately. Whenever Jeff visited London he made time to get together with me. On one occasion Jeff had secured tickets at the Royal Opera House. His wallet containing the tickets was stolen but - typical of Jeff - he remembered the numbers of our seats with the result that an usher politely told the people occupying them to leave the building (they had bought the tickets from someone outside the theatre). I will miss you, my friend.

Skeet Spohn

November 19, 2021

Jeff lite up world with his smile and we will miss him greatly.

Tom& Rita Bowers

November 18, 2021

Cuz Jeff enriched so many lives with music, art and culture.

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Jacob F. Ruth Funeral Directors, Inc.

8413 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118-3366

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