August 10, 1947 - June 3, 2026

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It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joseph “Joe Duke” Hoy, commonly referred to as “Papa Joe,” beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

Joe passed away peacefully on June 3, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Joe’s courageous spirit fought valiantly following open-heart surgery, but ultimately his body quietly slipped away while in the comfort of those who loved him most.

Born in Albany, NY and raised in Catskill, NY, Joe lived a life defined by service, leadership, adventure, and devotion to family.  He was the son of Joseph D. Hoy and Rose Helen Fleig-Hoy.  The Hoy family owned the J.J. Hoy Beer Distributorship in Catskill, where he worked during the summers before heading west to attend college at Utah State University.  There he enrolled in ROTC and graduated as First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.  Joe proudly served his country as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War, flying search and rescue missions.  Following his service in Vietnam, he continued his military service for an additional eleven years.

After his military career, Joe owned and operated a produce market in Colorado Springs before moving to Vail, where he began his career with the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy. For twelve years he served as the county’s primary D.A.R.E. officer, earning the affectionate nickname “O.J.” (Officer Joe) from the countless children whose lives he positively influenced.  His dedication to the community led to his election as Sheriff of Eagle County, a position he proudly held for twelve years.

In May 1988, Joe married the love of his life, Linda, blending their families into one close-knit and loving family.  Together they built a life filled with laughter, adventure, and cherished memories.  Joe embraced life wholeheartedly and enjoyed hiking, biking, fishing, gardening and during the last five years developing a passion for golf.

Those who knew Joe will forever treasure his unwavering devotion to Linda, his kindness, his sense of humor, and the joy he found in being a husband, father, brother, and grandfather.  His life was truly full, and his legacy will live through the many people he loved and inspired.

Joe is survived by his belove wife, Linda Hoy; his cherished blended family, including children, Carolyn Knox Keep, (Rex), Mike Hoy, Melissa Burnham, (Boyd) and Bob Knox; his grandchildren, Taylor Keep (“Bella Bella” to Papa Joe), Chase Keep, Maddy Hoy, Kiana Knox, Tyler Knox and Stella Knox; his brothers, Patrick G. Hoy, Michael N. Hoy (Susan): his sister, Teri Ann Hoy Weiss; and his nephew, Logan J. Weiss. Joe also leaves behind numerous cousins in the Albany and Catskill areas who loved him dearly and will miss him greatly.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held in Colorado on his birthday, August 10, 2026, and in Catskill later this fall.

In lieu of flowers the family requested that memorial donations be made to a local animal rescue organization, a cause close to Joe’s heart.