Obituary of CDR Garrick L. Hoadley, USN Ret

CDR Garrick L. Hoadley, USN Ret, 86, of Freehold, NJ, formerly of Gilbertsville, NY, died surrounded by his children on November 27, 2022. Garrick was born in Norwich, NY, and raised in nearby New Berlin, NY. He attended Northwood School and graduated from Colgate University. Upon graduation, Garrick attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy. He met the love of his life, Lynn McNamara, on a blind date, and they married in 1961. After serving aboard the USS Monrovia, Garrick pursued his love of languages and began work with the Naval Security Group. Garrick and his family were stationed around the world. Highlighted duty stations to which they were assigned included Glasgow, Scotland, Puerto Rico, Midway Island, and Cheltenham, England. During his time in the Navy, Garrick also earned a Masters in American Foreign Policy from Troy State University. Garrick retired from the Navy after 20 years of service, and he and Lynn bought their dream home, a 115-acre former farmstead in Gilbertsville, NY, named Locust Knoll. Garrick continued to serve his community as a member of Rotary International, Clerk of the School Board, Vestry member and Warden at Christ Church Gilbertsville, facilitator at Christ Church’s Saint Afterschool program, volunteer mediator for the family court, and on the American Red Cross Disaster Action Team. While serving with the Red Cross, Garrick responded to disasters locally and nationally, including several major hurricanes, and assisted with public affairs and volunteer coordination. Garrick was a “second responder” providing food and aid to recovery workers at Ground Zero following the destruction of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. In 2016, Garrick was recognized for his Outstanding Contributions to the Community by NY State Senator Boehlert. Garrick and Lynn continued to travel during their retirement, enjoying trips to Ireland, Alaska, Canada, and Bermuda. Second only to Locust Knoll, they loved their summer cottage, “DotSea,” in Georgetown, Maine. For many years they spent a good portion of the summer enjoying the crashing waves, lobster, and time with family. Garrick also deeply loved music and lent his voice to the choirs of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and Christ Church, barbershop quartets and choruses, and the Catskill Choral Society for many years, as well as the Applewood Chorus. Whether you called him Heffer, Hef, Uncle Garry, Grandpa, or Daddy, he was always a compassionate listener. Garry could lift spirits with his humor. He was the grand master of all dad jokes. Garrick enjoyed a nice walk up on the hill to the milk cans with Lynn and his beloved golden retriever, T-bone. A lifelong Navy man, Garrick lived life on a schedule. He went down to the village for the mail before the noon whistle and was ready for his martini on the porch at 5 PM. Garrick was heartbroken by the unexpected passing of his beloved Lynn earlier this year. He found comfort in the family they created together. He was overjoyed by the large assembly family that joined together for Thanksgiving just days before his passing. He shared a short addition to the traditional blessing, “Bless, oh Lord, this food to our use and us to thy service, and bless the memory of those who have gone before us and bequeathed us their recipes and traditions we celebrate today, in your name we ask it, Amen.” Garrick is survived by his children Margaret Tweten (Kurt), Garrick Hoadley Jr. (Sarah), Daniel Hoadley (Crystal Monkman); grandchildren Anna Tweten, Erik Tweten (Alexa), Adora Hoadley, Nathaniel Hoadley, Elizabeth Hoadley, Bryn Hoadley; nieces and nephews Tracy Morrison (Paul), Claire Krumm (Tim), James Ryan (Katie); extended grandkids Matthew & Ryan Morrison, Megan & Emily Krumm, Will, Sam, Ben & Phebe Ryan; sisters-in-law Nancy Hoadley and Mary McNamara. Garrick was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 60 years, Lynn McNamara Hoadley; his parents Frederick F. and Anne Urwin Little Hoadley; twin brother Gregory Lee Hoadley; niece Sara Hoadley; nephew Brian McNamara; and brother-in-law Alan McNamara. In lieu of flowers, Garrick requested donations be directed to Building Crossroads (https://www.stpetersfreehold.org/crossroads with a memo to Garrick Hoadley Memorial Fund) or the American Red Cross. Visitation will be at Higgins Memorial Home, Freehold NJ from 4-7 pm on Friday, December 2, 2022. A funeral service will be held at St. Peter’s Church, Freehold, NJ, at 11 am ET on Saturday, December 3, 2022, and also live-streamed on YouTube at St. Peter’s Church Freehold. Interment will be at St. Andrew’s Church, New Berlin, NY, at a later date.