Obituary: Joseph “Joe” Duke Hoy

August 10, 1947 – June 3, 2026 
It is 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, who 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, New York, 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 a beer distributing business that Joe worked for in the summers before heading west to college. He attended college at Utah State, enrolled in ROTC and graduated as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He proudly served his country as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War flying search and rescue missions. After Vietnam he continued his military service for an additional 11 years.

After his military career, Joe owned a produce market in Colorado Springs before moving to Vail, Colorado, where he joined the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy. For 12 years, he served as the county’s primary D.A.R.E. officer, earning the affectionate nickname “OJ” (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 12 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 of his life, 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 on through the many people he loved and inspired.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Hoy; his cherished blended family, including children, Carolyn Knox Keep, (Rex), Mike Hoy, Melissa Burnham, (Boyd) and Bob Knox; his grandchildren, Chase Keep, Taylor Keep (“Bella Bella” to Papa Joe), Maddy Hoy, Kiana Knox, Tyler Knox, and Stella Knox; his brothers, Patrick Hoy and Michael Hoy (Susan); his sister, Teri Ann Hoy- Weiss; and his nephew, Logan Weiss. Joe had numerous cousins in the Albany and Catskill area who loved him dearly and will be missed by all.

A Celebration of Joe’s Life will be held on his birthday, August 10, 2026, 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Eagle Vail Pavilion.

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

Joe will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His service, compassion, and love for family leave a lasting legacy that will endure for generations.