BELGRADE LAKES – George R. Hoy of Belgrade Lakes, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away in New Jersey on May 28, 2023.

Born in Long Branch, N.J. to John and Mabel (Magee) Hoy, George was the middle of three children. He married Joan (Sculthorpe) in 1949. He was employed in many capacities throughout his life. He was a U.S. postal employee, plumber, and fireman at Fort Monmouth. He ultimately retired in 1983 as a Captain from Naval Weapons Station Earle. George also took great pride in the many memorable years he spent as a volunteer fireman for the city of Long Branch, N.J.

George and Joan raised their family of three children in Long Branch, N.J. and in 1960 took their first two week summer vacation to Belgrade Lakes. These trips would become an annual tradition for the Hoy family, and upon his retirement, George and Joan purchased a set of camps on Long Pond and opened Hoy’s Belgrade Lakes Cottages. In 1989 they sold the camps and moved into a new home just up the street.

George’s time in Maine was well-loved and well-spent. As to be expected, he easily made friends who became family and kept himself quite busy. He was a member of the Rome Ruff Riders (local snowmobile club), the Belgrade Lakes Dams Committee, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Rome Intellectual Club. Anyone who drove by his house could expect to see one of several scenes: George meticulously mowing his lawn, washing his beloved Ford F-150, or hosting happy hour on his front deck. Each summer George and Joan would await the arrival of their children and grandchildren for their annual vacations to Belgrade Lakes, a tradition that continues to this day with the fourth generation of Hoys visiting Long Pond.

When he did relax, George could be found in his favorite recliner doing Sudoku, watching golf or an old Western, or listening to Classic Country. An avid racing fan and hating to be late to anything, he passed away the morning of the Indy 500 to ensure he had the best seat in the house for the main event. George was an excellent cook (fan favorites include bacon-covered pork loin and his special Sunday breakfast) and so enjoyed preparing meals for those he loved. He was also known for his vodka martini, coined a “Hoy-tini,” taking out his trusty pocket knife to slice the olives, and up until the end, enjoyed a daily shot and a beer.

Any and all who found themselves lucky enough to cross paths with George would quickly know they had found a friend. He will be remembered for his hearty laugh, his immense heart, and his love and pride for his family.

He was predeceased by his wife, Joan; his son, Kevin Hoy, his son-in-law, Robert Featherstone; and his brother, Jack Hoy.

He is survived by his sister, Lois Pierce, of Eatontown, N.J.; his son, Robert Hoy and his wife, Michele, of Belgrade, his daughter, Stephanie Featherstone and her partner, Steven Kiernan, of Paramus, N.J., his daughter-in-law, Karen Hoy, of Long Branch, N.J.; his grandchildren, Andrew Hoy and his partner, Lindsay, Billy Featherstone and his wife, Jessie, Ashley Featherstone and her husband, Scott Darwick, George Featherstone and his wife, Kelly, Vin Berardi and his partner, Amy Blitz, Travis Hoy and his fiancée, Ashlee Bobb; and his great-grandchildren, Angelina, Benjamin George, Natalie and Weston.

George’s life will be celebrated with a memorial gathering on Sunday, July 9 at 12 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Augusta, 397 Civic Center Dr.

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