Jonathan L. Hoyt

MELROSE, Mass. - Jonathan L. Hoyt, a resident of Melrose, and formerly of East Madison, N.H., passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Jan. 16, 2014, at age 39.

Jon was born in North Conway, N.H. on Jan. 26, 1974. Raised in East Madison, N.H., he graduated from Kennett High School, Class of 1992 and continued his education at the University of New Hampshire. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees in microbiology from UNH in 1996 and 1998, respectively.

Jon began his career at the Institute of Cell Biology and Chemistry at Harvard Medical School where he worked for seven years. He was most passionate about his work in the academic setting but also held positions at Novartis and Pfizer for several years. Throughout his career he developed assays based on molecular imaging that were aimed at understanding the cell cycle.

Jon met his future wife Jennifer Guerin as a sophomore at UNH. Jon was never shy about sharing that for him "it was love at first sight." He would later become a doting husband and then a devoted father to Zachary.

Jon loved the outdoors whether hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, or camping, and he enjoyed many of these activities with his Camp Tohkomeupog "family." Memorable trips include hiking the Tetons in Wyoming, ski trips out west, a family trip to Alaska, scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef and a trip to Yosemite a few years ago. Jon has hiked all of NH's 48 4000 foot mountains and could always recommend a perfect hike for others.

Jon's appreciation for nature extended to a concern for environmental awareness. He was interested in food politics, loved listening to NPR, and reading non-fiction. He always had a fondness for the underdog. This was exemplified in his outrage when an acquaintance's local "eat more kale" campaign was denounced by big business.

Jon's other interests included a love for pottery, swimming, Bob Dylan, winning in cribbage and scrabble, and the Red Sox. A highlight was attending a 2004 World Series game with friend Jason Bellner. For the past few years he attended weekly pottery classes with his sister-in-law Kim, and up until recently swam every week with his longtime friend, Ned London. Jon will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his wife and son, as well as his love of Newcastle, cannolis from Modern Pastry, and pints of Ben & Jerry's.

Jon was the beloved husband of 15 years to Jennifer (Guerin) Hoyt of Melrose. Devoted father of Zachary J. Hoyt of Melrose. Cherished son of Edward Hoyt and his wife Bobbi of Ossipee, N.H., and the late Mary (Gillard) Hoyt. Loving brother of Steven Hoyt of Madison, N.H., Jesse O'Rourke and his wife Moira of Nottingham, N.H., Ryan O'Rourke and his wife Sarah of Manchester, N.H., and the late Jeffrey Hoyt. Caring brother-in-law of Kimberly Bradley and her husband Bob of Wakefield. Also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

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services: Relatives and friends will honor and remember Jon's life by gathering during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. A celebration of his life will be held at the Willowdale Estate, 24 Asbury St., Topsfield on Thursday at 2 p.m., gathering will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Jon's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, Mass. 02472.