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Richard E. Hoyt Sr.
Richard E. “Dick” Hoyt Sr., a lifelong resident of East Hampton, died at home on Saturday, June 4, after a long battle with cancer. He was 77.
Mr. Hoyt, a true Bonacker, was born at his house in Amagansett on April 26, 1934 to Theodore and Christine Hoyt. He attended grade school in Amagansett and graduated from East Hampton High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy “Seabees,” and shortly after the end of the Korean War was assigned to the island of Saipan where he built and maintained power generators. After he successfully finished his military service, he returned to East Hampton and married the former Alicia A. Rodriguez. They had two children.
Mr. Hoyt retired as a Verizon installer after a 30-year career with the firm. He then started his own company, Freedom Telecom Inc., in 1986. He retired in 2000, and his son Rick, who described his father as a best friend and role model, took over the company.
Mr. Hoyt was a trustee of the Presbyterian Church of Amagansett for many years, and maintained all of its structures and equipment. He was loved by his church family, including his pastor, Steve Horwath, who was constantly by his side during his battle with cancer, his family said.
He was a prior member of both the Amagansett and East Hampton Fire Departments and had a “can-do” attitude, according to his family. He worked on cars and was also skilled in carpentry. He was a technician in many areas and loved a challenge. He enjoyed working on many projects with his friend Stuart Vorphal.
Survivors said he deeply loved his family and bringing everyone together. He enjoyed fishing, crabbing and sleigh riding with his boys. He was a people-person who loved to respectfully debate. Survivors remember him as a great storyteller.
In addition to his wife of 53 years, Alicia, he is survived by a son, Richard “Rick” H. Hoyt and a daughter, Lynne A. Hoyt Camacho, both of East Hampton; five grandsons, Ian, Austin, Dylan, Cruz and AJ of East Hampton; and a sister Sally Hoyt Wethington of North Carolina. He was predeceased by a sister, Joan Hoyt Verhaegen.
A private service is scheduled.
Memorial donations may be made to the Presbyterian Church of Amagansett, P.O. Box 764, Amagansett, NY 11930 or East End Hospice, P.O. Box 1048, Westhampton Beach, 11978.
on Jun 7, 2011