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Bergen Catholic High School Georgetown University

FUNERAL HOME

Brown & Hickey Funeral Home

36 Trapelo Rd.

Belmont, Massachusetts

EDWARD HOFF Obituary

Name: Visitation for EDWARD HOFF
Start: 2023-07-13T16:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-07-13T20:00:00.000Z
Location: St. Peters Church

HOFF--Edward J. "Ted" Died at home in Cambridge on June 26, 2023. Adored and adoring husband, beloved father, loving brother, retired IBM Vice President, engaged parishioner and citizen, inspiring friend and mentor to many, Ted lived his life with extraordinary joy, kindness, generosity, excellence, optimism, purpose, and love. Georgetown's School of Foreign Service, Phi Beta Kappa, and Harvard Business School, Baker Scholar. Ted's professional accomplishments were many. But his greatest source of pride and joy was the beautiful family life he and Kathleen created with Tommy and Michael. Complete obituary www.brownandhickey.com

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

Published by New York Times on Jul. 9, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for EDWARD HOFF

28 Entries

Peter Williamson

September 23, 2024

Ted, I still remember you that first day in Hamilton unpacking your sweaters into the cupboard - your room was at the top of the staircase. That is the image I retain of you to this day........I only learned of your leaving us today, I wanted to say something since I have not seen you for many years - but simply say I was pleased to meet you and glad to have known you.

James

July 15, 2023

Ted,

Your funeral, like your life, was magnificent. Kathleen, Tom, and Michael gave heartwarming and loving eulogies that equaled the amazing eulogies that you gave for our Mom and Dad. The music soared up to Heaven, lifted by the beautiful St. Peter´s organ and even more beautiful vocalist´s voice. The entire parish and city turned out for you, and people from all over the country came in to tell your amazing wife and sons all that you meant to them and to the world.

In a very hot summer, the weather was miraculously perfect on your day. And in a sign that Heaven signaled the sorrow on Earth due to your loss, the sky turned dark at the cemetery, but it never rained. Later, when the family met to celebrate your life and assuage your loss, the sky brightened like your beautiful smile and blessed the family gathering.

Ted, I love you, and I know you are with us. I miss hearing your voice, but I know that you will speak to us whenever we need you, and especially to Kathleen, Tom, and Michael.

Love,
Your baby brother,
Jim

Mary Ann Hinsdale, IHM

July 13, 2023

Dear Kathleen, Michael, Tom and the entire extended Hoff and O'Connell families,
I am so sorry for your loss. I babysat for "Teddy" and his siblings when the Hoff's lived in Westchester, IL. His mom and mine were high school classmates at Providence HS and they worked together doing publicity for Divine Infant Parish and IHM High School. Clare McDermott O'Connor (who also lived in Westchester, IL ), a colleague at BC arranged a serendipitous reunion at the Grafton St. restaurant about six years ago which included Ted, Michael, Clare and me. I was so sad to hear of his death. My whole sibling family (whose line-up matched the Hoff children) also send their condolences. What a wonderful gift this talented and generous man was to so many! I look forward to seeing you at St. Peter's later today. In the meantime, know of my prayerful remembrance of all of you. Love, Mary Ann Hinsdale

Hugh, Joan, & Michael Cusato

Planted Trees

Timothy Hinsdale

July 12, 2023

I knew Ted from Divine Infant Graded School in Westchester IL.
Our mother's were classmates at Providence High School and life long friends
My deepest sympathy the the Hoff family

Megan, Todd, Laura and Steve

July 11, 2023

We were fortunate to spend many of our Thanksgiving and Christmastimes with Uncle Ted, Aunt Kathleen, Tommy, and Michael. Uncle Ted and Aunt Kathleen showered us with love and support, eager to dive into our latest life happenings. It was fun, joyful, and deeply enriching, and the evenings left us feeling elevated in all respects. How lucky we were to call that our holiday season. We will miss Uncle Ted terribly but will carry forward the impact he's had on us.

Love - Megan, Todd, Laura and Steve

Mike Markovits

July 10, 2023

Ted and I were close work partners for our years together at IBM. He was a cherished colleague and good friend. He lived a life full of caring and integrity and stood out for those qualities as an IBM executive. I have many memories of sharing stories and laughing together, co-hosting IBM picnics for our departments, and doing our best to make IBM an organization that produced great leaders at all levels of the organization. I will miss his warmth, his generosity, and his friendship

Bill, Amie, Liam, Andrew, & Lauren Roos

July 10, 2023

In loving memory of a wonderful person. Sending much love.

Bill Roos

July 10, 2023

I had the immense privilege of knowing Ted Hoff very well for almost 52 years, as his brother-in-law. I am married to Ted´s oldest sister, Mary Eileen. Ted was the supreme family man - first and foremost unlimitedly supportive of his own immediate family in Cambridge but also of his large extended family all over the United States and Ireland - siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles. Every gathering, he extended genuinely complimentary individual interest & support to each person. In a large group setting, such as family gatherings at the holidays, Ted was at the center, greeting each person with his big smile, wrapping his arm over their shoulders, making the atmosphere fun and festive. Ted also helped behind the scenes, such as working alongside his parents in the kitchen to get their big Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner on the table. The memories of Ted live on in all our stories about his presence in our lives. We will be there for Ted´s immediate family - his wonderful wife Kathleen O´Connell and his two exceptional sons Tom and Michael - as Ted was all his life for his big extended family. It´s a big challenge but we have Ted as our beacon.

Love, The McIntyre Family

Sent Flowers

Richard Glovsky

July 10, 2023

If there has been a better human being than Ted Hoff, I have yet to encounter him or her and I doubt very much that I ever will.

Tim and Lindsey Tishman

July 9, 2023

Ted was a brilliant and kind man.

He was a distinguished leader and mentor in the business world. His success was built with integrity and strong family morals.

While his professional accomplishments were remarkable, what truly defined him was his kindness, trustworthiness, generosity, and maturity.

Ted was truly a caring man and helped my immediate family in times of need when most men of his stature may not have taken the time to do so. His love for his siblings and their families was so apparent.

Ted always took a great interest in my life and talking to him was always a joy. He was a great brother to my Mom, brother-in-law to my late Dad, and Uncle to me and my siblings.

He will be deeply missed. Our condolences to Kathleen, Tom, and Michael.

-Tim, Lindsey, and Grayson Tishman

Michael Sullivan

July 8, 2023

To Ted´s Family:

Please accept our deepest sympathies.

We had the great pleasure of meeting Ted and his wonderful family through St Peter Church/School and Cambridge Little League. Ted was a remarkable caring, compassionate, empathetic, loving person. We witnessed so many of his simple and extraordinary acts of kindness. One which stands out was on the Little League Field, a parent had just informed him that their child had a learning difference and needed to be instructed in a certain way. The child could have been no more than 3 1/2 feet tall, Ted got down on his knees, looked the kid directly in the eye and said something like my brother has the same thing as you, is the head of a Fortune 500 company, and everything is going to be ok. The kids didn´t know what a Fortune 500 company was but the expression on their face was so warm and comforted by the fact that Ted took the time on a hectic day care about and assure them.

Just as in the movie "A Wonderful Life," Ted made a difference in so many lives both in large and small ways. The world is such a better place for Ted having been in it. Ted lived a Jesuit model, of people for others.

Thank you for sharing Ted with all of us.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Michael, Denise, Michael, and Paul Sullivan

Regina

July 4, 2023

On June 20, 1987, my sister Kathleen gave a precious gift to our family: her husband Ted. One of the happiest and most joy-filled memories I have of Ted is the boy-like look of happiness, joy, wonder and enthusiasm that Ted showed while waiting at the altar for his soul-mate and true love to join him at the start of their life-long journey of love and adventure. Those feelings never changed; they only deepened as their years together grew. Ted is one of the most generous and principled men I have ever, or will ever know. When he committed himself to an activity or cause, he was always "200% all-in". Some of my fondest memories are of Ted as a dad or loving husband: very early car rides to Tom and Michael´s ice Hockey games ( especially when he tried to sneak a little Peter, Paul and Mary onto the stereo), last minute early Christmas morning gift wrapping sessions where we shared some wonderful conversations, or the classic touch football games with Tom and Michael at the Weston, Vt. Green and later at the Villa Marie Claire during visits to New Jersey. I am eternally grateful to you and Kathleen for the gifts of joy that Tom and Michael are in my life. Though all of us who know you, Ted, join Kathleen, Tom and Michael in mourning your too-quick departure from this life, I also join them in celebrating your life with us and the effect you will have on generations to come by your generosity and example to all in this life. With gratitude and sorrow,
Regina O´Connell, CSJP

Jim

July 3, 2023

While extraordinarily accomplished as a professional, Ted was even more so as a family man and person. A loving husband, father, brother (in law) uncle and mentor to many. A rare combination of kindness, intelligence and grace. We will miss you. Jim. O´C

Jacquie and Richard

July 3, 2023

We have the most wonderful memories of our friend and neighbor Ted. He was always right there with enthusiasm and kindness around all our favorite causes. His smile lit up the street, and our children loved him as we did. He and Kathleen passed along their kindness and compassion to their stellar sons, Michael and Tom! We don´t know how we´ll manage without him!
Jacquie and Richard

Jim, Joan, Tommy, Jimmy & Kelly McCabe

July 3, 2023

Sending our deepest condolences to Kathleen, Michael & Tom. We enjoyed the times at St. Sebastian´s when our son, Tommy, was in class with Michael, getting to see & talk to Ted & Kathleen, but hadn´t had the opportunity in recent years. Ted was always a friendly man of great character & integrity, and I know Michael & Tom will carry on his incredible legacy. Hope the many great memories you all shared together will bring you some comfort & peace. God bless you always!

Patricia O´Connell

July 3, 2023

Ted was truly one of the kindest, most generous, big-hearted people I have ever had the privilege to know.
When he joined our family through marrying his beloved Kathleen, my sister, and they expanded it with their two wonderful sons, Tommy and Michael, we were so fortunate.

A man of faith, service, kindness, and love, Ted lived his beliefs every day.

"We shall not see his like again."

Patricia O´Connell

July 3, 2023

Ted was a gentle giant, standing tall not just literally but also because of his extraordinary kindness, generosity, grace, and most of all because of the love he had for his beloved family: his wife, Kathleen, and their two sons, Tom and Michael.

We are heartbroken not just for them, and for those he loved and who loved him just as much, but because he had so much more to share.

"Legacy" is not a strong enough word for what he leaves behind. The world is a better because of the life of service that he lived, yet also a sadder one right now while we adjust to his physical absence.

Thank you, Ted, for joining our family.

Your sister-in-law, Patricia

Tom Byrne

July 3, 2023

Kathleen - I am not sure how to reach you otherwise. Ted's IBM colleague Don Riley just passed on your sad news. I got to know Ted when he worked for my dad, Brendan Byrne. I was incredibly fond of him - just as a super nice and really talented guy. I know the other senior people on my dad's staff held him in the highest regard. I have some fun and funny memories of those years. I rarely got to see him, but was always happy when we had a chance to spend some time. What a quality person! I am so sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Brendan T (Tom) Byrne, Jr. 101 Hun Road, Princeton, NJ. [email protected].
PS - I will be at my son's wedding in California during the weekend of the service.

Terry Hansen

July 3, 2023

My deepest condolences to Ted's family. I had the privilege of working for Ted at IBM for nearly a decade and he was the most supportive inspiring manager I ever worked for. He set high standards but was always willing allow me to extemporize as long as I achieved his targets. When working for Ted it was always May.

Anne Marie Collins

July 1, 2023

My heart breaks to hear of Ted´s passing. He was such an inspiration to me growing up and recruited me to work in political campaigns. What a brilliant and amazing man, from a brilliant and wonderful family. God bless you all and may the loving memories sustain you during this difficult time. Heaven has gained an angel...

Peter Smith

July 1, 2023

I knew him for such a short period of time, and yet I have such a warm memory of him as a smart, kind, and welcoming man. Regrets to Kathleen and his sons and family. Peter Smith

Laura Potts-Sprague

June 30, 2023

Ted was an amazing leader with incredible business insight, energy and strong values; he was also a kind and gentle soul, intelligent, and so caring and connected to the entire team he lead at IBM.
Personally for me he was a role model and inspiration. He was always available for advice, coaching and help. A unique and thoughtful leader.
He will be greatly missed and always remembered.
Laura Potts-Sprague

Geri and Todd Havill

June 30, 2023

Ted was a light in our lives and brought joy to all of us. He led by example of how to love and how to be there for one another. It is hard to imagine a world without Ted in it. Kathleen, Tom, and Michael you filled Ted's heart and he adored you. We love you.

James

June 30, 2023

Thank you to whoever wrote such a beautiful and amazing obituary for Ted. The crazy thing is that in addition to what was written, Ted was so humble that I didn´t know he did half that stuff. He remains a gift from God to all who met him, an Angel who lived among us.