Dr. B. Ralph "Buddy" Hoffman, a retired longtime Hampden dentist and World War II veteran, died June 19 from complications of Alzheimer's disease at Arden Courts, a Pikesville assisted-living facility.
He was 93.
Dr. Hoffman was born and raised in Newark, N.J., where he graduated from city public schools.
He studied for two years at the University of Michigan and then transferred to the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, where he earned his dental degree in 1942.
He enlisted in the Army Dental Corps, where he worked as a dentist at stateside military bases. He was discharged with the rank of lieutenant.
In 1949, Dr. Hoffman established his dental practice at Roland Avenue and 36th Street above Heiss' Jewelry Store. He remained there until moving to the Rotunda in 1974, where he was joined in his practice by his son, Dr. Steven L. Hoffman of Pikesville, and a daughter, Wendy Blum of Owings Mills.
In the early days of his career, he was a member of the dental staff at Sinai Hospital. He also had held various offices in Sigma Epsilon Delta, the dental fraternity.
Dr. Hoffman lent his support to the establishment of the National Dental Museum at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry.
Dr. Hoffman, who was a longtime Pikesville resident, retired in 1987 after suffering a detached retina.
He was a lifetime member of the Baltimore City Dental Society, Maryland State Dental Society and the American Dental Society.
He was a member of the Suburban Club, where he enjoyed playing golf and tennis. He also collected coins and stamps.
He was a member of Chizuk Amuno Congregation.
Dr. Hoffman's wife of 51 years, the former Betty Glick, died in 2000.
Services were held June 22.
He is also survived by another daughter, Fern Schwartzberg of Pikesville; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
fred.rasmussen@baltsun.com