Daniel James Hoy, PhD

86, of Narragansett, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family.  He was the beloved husband of Ellen M. (McCann) Hoy.

Born in Cleveland, OH he was a son of the late John and Catherine (Tighe) Hoy.

Dr. Hoy received a Bachelor’s degree from John Carroll University, a Master’s Degree from Tulane and from Assumption College; and his Doctorate from Boston University.

He taught philosophy at Anna Maria College and Dayton University; and the foundations of education at Rhode Island College.  He was the Vice President of the Youth Guidance Center in Pawtucket.  He had a private practice in Seekonk, MA; and ended his career as a school psychologist in Stoughton, MA.

Dan enjoyed being on the water, kayaking and swimming.  He was a lover of literature and enjoyed playing racquetball and turtle hunting.

Besides his wife, he leaves his five loving children, Thad Hoy, Tom Hoy, Peter Hoy, Danielle Curran and Veronica Hoy; his cherished eleven grandchildren, Sean, Matt, Cathy, Charlotte, Peter, Molly, Hannah, Ethan, Alyssa, Daniel and Jimmy; and ten great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Terry Hoy, Jim Hoy and Jeanne Frances; his three step-children, Rebecca Riley, Thomas Riley and Kathleen Bailey; and five step-grandchildren, Sammy, Lindsay, Kaya, Luke and Donovan.

He was preceded in death by his former wife the late Mary (Perko) Hoy; and his brothers, Jack and Tim Hoy.

All the makings of the Renaissance Man lay within the body, mind, and spirit of Daniel Hoy. His intellect, his love of literature, philosophy, art, classical music and being in nature positively impacted all who were fortunate enough to be in his presence. His fervent belief that goodness and hope resided within every human being bloomed in profusion like the yellow petals of the daffodils he loved gazing at the last week of his life.

He brought out the best in the most challenging of his clients, particularly the middle school students he worked with the last twenty years of his career, retiring at age eighty-earning him the nickname,” The Punk Whisperer.”

His love for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren was unbounded.

And for his wife, Ellen, he carried a torch aflame as he exited this world, alone with her by his side, a pilgrim brave, strong, and ready for the next part of the journey.

Go in peace, Daniel James Hoy, and thanks for everything, simply everything.

VISITING HOURS will be held on Friday, April 12, 2024 from 10am-12pm, followed by a funeral service at 12pm in the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory – SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL, 1111 Boston Neck Road (Rt. 1A), Narragansett.  Live streaming of Dr. Hoy's service can be found via the Nardolillo Funeral Home Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/nardolillofh .  Burial will be in Highland Memorial Park, Johnston.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Children’s Defense Fund, PO Box 803638, Chicago, IL 60680.