Hoffman's mom confirms public celebrations honoring her son

September 1, 2012. Philip Seymour Hoffman poses on the red carpet during a screening for the movie "The Master" at the 69th Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy. (Reuters)

Philip Seymour Hoffman’s mother confirmed that there will be public celebrations of her son’s life in his hometown of Rochester and New York City this spring reports the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle newspaper.

Hoffman’s mother, retired judge Marilyn O’Connor penned a statement that was read aloud by Jack Garner, a friend and retired film critic for the newspaper. Garner read the deeply moving statement before introducing the film “Capote,” which won Hoffman a best actor Oscar at a local movie house called The Little Theatre.

"It has been a devastating loss for us, but I know that you also feel a great sorrow," she wrote. "We miss and cry for the little boy and the man, the brother, the uncle, the husband, the father, the friend, and while we will miss seeing him, we will also miss his talent, his knowledge of his craft, and seeing results of his hard work. He was a gift to me for 46 years. I wanted more."

"My heart is broken and will never be the same again," O’Connor continued. "I know many of you feel the same. We will find our way through this and hear his clear voice and laughter as we do, because he is cheering for all of us to go on, to shine, to be the best that we can be. Thank you all and especially, The Little Theatre, a place Phil loved to go and watch movies."

Hoffman was found dead on February 2. Autopsy results declared his death accidental, the result of a toxic mix of heroin, cocaine, amphetamines and benzodiazepines.