Nelson Martin Hoyt, 80, of Palm Coast, Florida, formerly of Hackettstown, New Jersey, an DeLand, Florida, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2025. He was the son of Nelson F. Hoyt and Jean (Rokavec) Hoyt, their only child.
Born in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, at the age of 7, he moved to DeLand, Florida, where he formed lifelong friendships that remained strong through all of his years. He led the DeLand High School basketball team as point guard to the 1963 state championship, a victory reminiscent of the small-town triumph portrayed in the movie Hoosiers. He later received a full basketball scholarship and played collegiately for St. John’s River College in Palatka, Florida, and LaGrange College in LaGrange, Georgia, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Recreation.
For over 42 years, he reliably served the town of Hackettstown in New Jersey as Superintendent of Recreation, a career he fully embraced and loved. He was respected for his fairness, integrity, and dependability. Upon retirement, the Nelson M. Hoyt Riverfront Park in Hackettstown, New Jersey, was named in his honor, recognizing his service Throughout his adult life, Nelson remained deeply engaged in competitive sports. His interests included basketball coaching, golf, water skiing, tennis, games of all kinds, physical fitness, travel, and a lifelong devotion to college basketball. Even in his 70s, he continued to compete, qualifying for the Florida Senior Games state table tennis championships.
On a personal level, Nelson will be remembered for helping others without fanfare, a knack for making people laugh, boundless energy, animated storytelling, legendary renditions of “Chantilly Lace,” famously quick goodbyes, and, of course, his well-earned “Mr. Clean” reputation.
In keeping with his wishes, his body was donated to science. As per his request, no services are planned. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. In Nelson’s memory, contributions may be made to the Nelson Hoyt Memorial Fund at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942, www.stjude.org a cause he chose.
For those wishing to leave online condolences for the family please visit, www.cochranfuneral.com
12 Condolences for Hoyt, Nelson Martin
Condolences(12)
Peg Sheldon Russack says
December 22, 2025 at 8:05 pmLaura, as you know, Nelson was very important to me as well as my family. We go back many years, and had a lot of laughs over the years. I will miss him.
Love, Peg
Michael Palko Sr says
December 22, 2025 at 10:29 pmScott, Todd, Diane, Laura and families,
Very saddened to know of Coach’s passing, but blessed to have been a beneficiary of his guidance and friendship. He elevated HTown Basketball to new heights and his impact on my life is immeasurable. He inspired people in ways that others couldn’t. I’m indebted to him and have tried to “pass it on”. God Bless you all…
Joy Snyder says
December 23, 2025 at 4:35 pmVery sorry to learn of the passing of Nelson. For those of us who have lived in Hackettstown most of their lives I know well the legacy he left to all of us…My Sincere Condolences to the entire family. Mrs. Lester (Joy) Snyder….
Janet Lake says
December 23, 2025 at 5:08 pmTom Kitchen and Nelson really worked well together to determine how we would lay out the Riverfront Park. It was fun working with them. They were paid employees but worked with the Community Development Committee and never mentioned any additional compensation for all of their hard work. My deepest sympathy to Nelson’s wife and family.
Chick and Linda Dimiceli says
December 23, 2025 at 6:44 pmCondolences to the Hoyt family Nelson was a family friend have a life time of laughs and memories with him He did so much for the kids of Hackettstown He was something special God Bless
Kathy Palko says
December 23, 2025 at 7:36 pmDear Scott & Bubba—My sincere condolences on the passing of your father. I remember fondly the times spent with you so many years ago and hope you are well. May God Bless You always. Love, Kathy
Diana DiLillo says
December 23, 2025 at 8:51 pmDear Laura and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you always. We are so sad to hear this. You and Nelson were so special and kind to John’s parents. Nelson touched many lives in Hackettstown and made it a great place to raise our children! Diana and John DiLillo
John Fenimore says
December 24, 2025 at 3:50 pmNelson left a tremendous legacy in town.
He was a tremendous influence on so many – including me.
My sincerest condolences to Scott and Todd.
Your dad was a great person and friend and will be missed.
Eddie Meeker says
December 27, 2025 at 1:35 amHe was a stand up guy…always kind…..rest in peace buddy
Beverly mercurio says
December 28, 2025 at 3:16 pmTo Scott and Todd and Laura and families I am so sorry for the loss of Nelson he was a great person and my husband John Mercurio worked for him for 20 years and was a great boss and friend many laughs at the annual Christmas partys
Eddie Meeker says
December 30, 2025 at 10:09 pmBev you are 100% right..
Darryl Applegate says
January 6, 2026 at 6:32 pmDearest condolences to Nelson’s family for your loss. A friend to my family, great contributor to Hackettstown recreation, and one of the great Hackettstown gang from the 60’s, 70’s and beyond, he will be missed.
Rest in peace.
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