Ty Hodanish of New Hope passed peacefully in his home on Sunday, May 20, with his husband by his side. Born in West Orange, N.J., he was the son of the late Martin F. and Virginia Lang Hodanish.
Over his life, Ty excelled in all that he did. In his two-part career, he was first dedicated to public service and later shifted his dedication to his true passion as artist, teacher and mentor.
Following the completion of his doctoral work in public administration at NYU, Ty worked in the New York City office of the mayor and subsequently in various public service positions including the National Governors Association in Washington, D.C. Ty then accepted an invitation to return to his home state of New Jersey as the Executive Director of the New Jersey Parole Board. He subsequently became the Director the State Juvenile Delinquency Commission.
Immediately after retiring from state government, Ty shifted his focus to art and trained side by side with Lois Griffel, a plein air painter and owner of the of the Cape Cod School of Art. Ty opened his first gallery in Sergeantsville, N.J., in 1997. Thereafter, he moved into the historic building on the grounds of the Prallsville Mill, in Stockton, N.J., where he maintained a working artist gallery for 17 years. Ty was coined the term “Guardian of the Mill.”
It is said that Ty influenced a whole generation of plein air painters, having taught over 1,000 painters in his highly-attended workshops entitled “Painting the Impressionist Landscapes.” He taught a special method of painting which included the use of a pallet knife with emphasis on color and light.
Over the years, Ty received many honors for his paintings and community service work including the highly coveted “Artist Laurel” award. He served as the president of Artsbridge for a number of years. Ty was heralded as one Bucks County’s 10 most interesting people by a local magazine.
Ty leaves behind the love of his life and spouse Daniel Filoramo, his sister Nancy, his nephews Seaton and Mathew, his dog Fredi, and many dear friends.
The mass of Christian burial will be offered on Wednesday, May 23, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, 44 Bridge Street, in Lambertville, Interment will follow at the Solebury Friends Cemetery on North Sugan Road in New Hope.
Calling hours will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday evening and on Wednesday morning from 9 a.m. until departure for church at the Van Horn-McDonough Funeral Home, 21 York St., in Lambertville.
Donations in Ty’s memory may be made to the Prallsville Mills Society/Delaware River Mill Society, P.O. Box 298, Stockton, N.J. 08559.
Information provided by Van Horn-McDonough Funeral Home.
What a wonderful and accomplished life. I did not know him but I am better having read his story.