Lew-Port student’s death mourned

by Karen Keefe
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, June 16, 2007

Lewiston-Porter High School lost one of its own last Friday in a tragic car accident that claimed the life of Joseph Hoffman, 17, a junior at the school.

The young man was killed in a two-car crash on Lower River Road at 4:47 p.m. on June 8. Niagara County Sheriff Thomas A. Beilein said Hoffman’s vehicle was traveling southbound when it crossed the double yellow line and was struck by an oncoming vehicle driven by Madalene Ansel. Upon hitting the other car, Hoffman’s vehicle crashed into a tree, and he died at the scene.

Lew-Port Assistant Principal John Diodate said Hoffman has a lot of friends at the school, and they will miss him. “Joe fit in very well at our school. He was very polite and respectful,” he said. Hoffman studied automotive mechanics through the BOCES vocational center.

“He was just an all-around good kid who did well in school,” Diodate said. He said Hoffman came to Lew-Port in 10th grade from Niagara Falls. Diodate said Hoffman’s father related that he was concerned at first that he would fit in, but re recalled that on his very first day of classes, he came home with a long list of names and phone numbers of friends that he had made.

“From Day 1, he didn’t miss a beat,” Diodate said. He had his own look and way about him … he was very accepting of others,” he added. The assistant principal said Hoffman had a group of kids he hung out with who shared the same interests, listened to the same music and enjoyed skateboarding. He wore long hair earlier in the year, but had since had it cut.

Hoffman worked at Casa Antica, a restaurant on Center Street in Lewiston. “The kid had a good sense of humor and he was respectful – he was lovable,” said Chef Jack Soldano. The young man was consciencious, and careful, Soldano said. Hoffman started out as a dishwasher and worked his way up to prepping in the kitchen. “He was eager to learn,” the chef said.

At Lew-Port, Hoffman’s death left a great sense of loss. “It’s very difficult for a school to lose one of its students. Every kid has a large impact on the school,” the Diodate said.

As a word of caution to parents, Beilein said youthful drivers are a lot more susceptible to these kinds of accidents. The sheriff said although young drivers’ reflexes are excellent, it is important for parents to reinforce paying attention to the road and driving conditions.