Philip J. Hoeffner

Philip "Philly" J. Hoeffner, a lifetime resident of Montgomery, NY, passed away peacefully at his home on January 13, 2026, surrounded by loved ones, after a five-year battle with leukemia. He was 71 years old.

Philly was born in Goshen, NY, to the late Philip F. Hoeffner and Ann McCormick Hoeffner. He married the love of his life, Linda Stipak, on September 26, 1976, and together they shared 49 blissful years of marriage. In 2021, they celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows and gathering with family and friends on a beautiful fall day. Together, they raised four children and were blessed with four grandchildren. Philly often said that his greatest achievement was the family that he and Linda created.

A farmer by nature and by upbringing, Philly proudly believed that "farming is in my blood." He spent most of his life working on the family farm on Goodwill Road, established in 1917, and selling its flowers and produce at farmers markets throughout New York City. He attended Valley Central High School, Class of 1972, and remained deeply connected to his classmates, never missing a reunion and especially enjoying the 50th reunion celebration. After high school, he studied agriculture at Alfred State University. In 1976, Philly was one of twelve founding farmers of the Greenmarket Farmers Markets in New York City. He was known for growing beautiful flowers and herbs and for cultivating exceptional crops. His corn was so good that his children became proud "corn snobs." Philly was also a member of the Orange County Vegetable Growers Association.

Philly joined the Montgomery Fire Department in 1973 and devoted decades of service to the community he loved. A proud member of the Fleet Hook and Ladder Company, he rose through the ranks and served as Chief and Assistant Chief from 1988 to 1992. He later served as President of both the Montgomery Fire Department and the Fleet Hook and Ladder Company. In addition, he was an active member of the Montgomery Fire Department Benevolent Association, serving on the Board of Directors and holding positions as Vice President and President. Philly also organized and ran the department's annual Christmas Tree fundraiser for twenty years, a tradition that continues today. He was admired for his leadership, reliability, and willingness to serve wherever needed, and was also a member of the Orange County Fire Chiefs Association.

Philly is survived by his wife, Linda; his four daughters, Elizabeth Hoeffner (Lila), Frances Schlobohm (Eric), Theresa Pearson (Alexander), and Josephine Racer (Jacob); and his cherished grandchildren, Nicholas, Sam, Ryan, and Ella. He is also survived by his siblings, George Hoeffner and Kathleen Hoeffner; sisters-in-law Karen Bello, Barbara Stipak, Nancy Carey-Begnoche (Joe), and Susan Candela (Joseph); as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; his in-laws Albert Stipak, Joan Stipak, and Loretta McCarthy; and his brothers-in-law Scott Carey and Robert Stipak.

Philly will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family, his tireless work on the family farm, and the cross-country trips he took with his family to visit cousins in New Mexico. He also enjoyed trains, beagles, hunting, and NASCAR, especially his all-time favorite driver, Jeff Gordon. A passionate sports fan, he followed the New York Yankees, Boston Celtics, and New Jersey Devils, and remained fiercely loyal to the Dallas Cowboys, even when they tested his patience over the years.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the doctors and nurses at Westchester Medical Center and to the Hospice care team for their compassion and dedication. Dr. Karen Seiter was instrumental in caring for Philly beginning in July of 2020, and her commitment meant a great deal to the family.

Visitation will be held at Millspaugh Funeral Home, 22 Bank St., Walden, NY 12586 on Tuesday, January 20 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m., and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Name of Mary Church, 89 Union Street, Montgomery, NY, on Wednesday, January 21 at 10:30 a.m.

Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Montgomery Fire Department Benevolent Association, PO Box 8 Montgomery, NY 12549.