Obituary of David Nelson Hoadley

Marathoner, golfer, loving father & longtime Brookside resident David Nelson Hoadley passed away on January 14th at his home of over 50 years in Brookside, NJ after a long illness. He was 88 years old.

David grew up in Washington, CT and attended The Gunnery School, where he was a star athlete and began a lifelong love of sports. After high school, David attended Yale University where he played baseball and majored in American Studies. After graduating, David married the girl next door, Margaret "Penny" Whittall, and spent two years in Okinawa in the Army. David was a loving father to his three daughters, Susan DeGeorge, Gretchen Burke and Cathleen Hoadley. Active in his community, David was a passionate track coach and Little League umpire. He was on the board of the town library and the Brookside Community Church. He was also on the board of St. Philips Academy in Newark, and of course, The Frederick Gunn School and Yale Alumni organizations, where he was an avid and persistent fundraiser. David ran 54 marathons and was a fixture on the golf course every weekend. He loved to sing and had a beautiful tenor voice, singing in the Harmonium Choral Society. David had a memory like an elephant, recalling dates of obscure sporting events and never missing a call to celebrate his friend's birthday.

In addition to his wife and daughters, he is survived by his sisters Dicka Delude and Mary V. Hoadley and brother Silas Hoadley, and 10 grandchildren. A memorial service will be held later in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please go out and run or walk in his honor.