JOEL HOFFMAN Obituary

HOFFMAN--Dr. Joel S. Dr. Joel S. Hoffman, 87, died on January 15, 2025, after a brief hospital stay. Born in New York City, he received a B. A. cum laude from Harvard College (1959), an M.D. from Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons (1963), and an M.A. in Neuropharmacology from University of Michigan (1967). He served an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at University Hospital University of Michigan (1963-67) and a residency in Psychiatry at New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center (1969-72). Dr. Hoffman specialized in treatment refractory affective illness and, in addition to his private practice, held clinical/teaching appointments at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, Lenox Hill Hospital and NYU School of Medicine. He was widely recognized as a superb clinician. He participated actively in the civil rights and anti-Vietnam war movements. As a Captain in the USAF and Director of the Internal Medicine Service at the Barksdale AFB Hospital (1967-69), he published an anti-war newspaper and, during his time at the Barksdale AFB, initiated two successful civil rights cases. Shelter Island became his second home in 1973. He was one of the founders of the Shelter Island Heights Property Owners Corporation, lovingly restored his home, and spent Saturday mornings on the porch with his political philosophy reading group. He is survived by his wife, Lily, a son, Jared Hoffman (Licia Hurst); a daughter, Dr. Margaret Hoffman; and four grandchildren, Maxwell Mitchell, Jackson Mitchell, Evan Hoffman and Paola Hoffman. He was predeceased by his sister, Ethel Decter.

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Published by New York Times on Jan. 26, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for JOEL HOFFMAN

10 Entries

Stanley Blauser

August 23, 2025

Joel saved my life! When I first went to see him I was in very bad shape and had extreemely low self esteem. His caring support brought about a rebirth in me. Because of him I was able to accomplish many things that I never would have been able to without him. I truly miss Joel.

Tracy Byrnes

Planted Trees

Juliet

February 27, 2025

I´m so sorry to hear that. I don´t know who is answering his emails, but I must share that he is one of the most important people in my life. I was his patient for more than 30 years - longer than that time I didn´t know him. He was so kind and always present. His medical knowledge was extraordinary- he worked so hard to find the right medicine for me (I was not an easy case!). He was also a compassionate listener. He knew me in so many ways. He truly saved my life - literally. He always visited me when I was in the psychiatric hospital. He always loved sharing restaurant reviews with me - he always said he would not take stock tips from a patient, but he would take restaurant recommendations.

I could go on. I hope this goes to a family/partner so they can know how amazing he was.

I´m so sad, but I´m just so happy to have gotten to work with him.

Lisa Danzig

Planted Trees

Yolande Lempel Krieger

January 29, 2025

Condolences to the family from a Long Beach High School friend. Joel was very smart.

Matt Adriance

January 27, 2025

Maybe we all wonder about the difference our life makes, I sure do although I know I'll really never know, but I leave this note to those for whom Dr. Joel S. Hoffman was a presence, his friends and family. Dr. Hoffman entered my life upon the recommendation of a friend about 4 years ago. Quirky is among the words I would use to describe him which is what attracted me to him. He was excessively self-deprecating which annoyed me often but I certainly appreciated his straightforward manner and honesty. He brought what for me was an unconventional view of treating my long standing depression and thanks to his creative thinking or whatever accounted for his ideas he put me on a medication that I certainly never was offered or suggested and seemed off in terms of what it was normally used for. The improvement in my state of mind was significant and so deeply appreciated. He and I talked about philosophical things because I loved to and he often would say my questions were "above his pay grade." I could see how people could be annoyed with him or find his manner off putting but I think any great mind and spirit has to deal with the inevitable criticism. I for one am grateful for Dr. Hoffman and his contribution to my well-being. We both often talked about how important our work was to us and I said on a number of occasions that I was likely to die before I retired. I hope I too will be helping people through my work until 87 and beyond. Thank you Dr. Hoffman and for all those who supported him in bringing his gift to people like me.

Sue Matorin MS LCSW ACSW

January 26, 2025

I worked with Dr Hoffman at Psychiatric Institute in the early days of my career, and remember him as a quite wonderful colleague , so smart but kind and supportive.

Yitzchok

January 26, 2025

Dr. Hoffman was a remarkable human being. I will never forget how, at 85 years old, Dr. Hoffman checked in with me hourly during a difficult period, even while he was on vacation. There was no concern of self-harm or danger; he simply cared and couldn't look away while a fellow human being was in pain.

Sydney C.Bush, MD

January 26, 2025

A truly remarkable man who treated others with respect, acceptance, and compassion. He will be missed.
Sydney C. Bush, MD