In Memoriam: Former Rumsonite, Borough Council and RCDS Board Member, Hal Hyatt

Former Rumsonite, Borough Council and Rumson Country Day School Board of Trustees (RCDS) member, William H. “Hal” Hyatt Jr., more recently of Little Silver, passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 9.

“Hal loved family time and nothing made him happier than a gathering with the children and grandchildren, and playing with his Golden Retrievers. In years gone by he enjoyed building dollhouses for his daughter and helping his son build model airplanes. He also enjoyed traveling and no sooner was he back home than he was planning his next vacation.”
Loved ones of Hal Hyatt Jr. in his obituary

Hal was very active in the community. Aside from serving on council and the RCDS board, he was a member of the Oceanic Free Library Trust, Seabright Lawn Tennis & Cricket Club, the Rumson Country Club and the Sea Bright Beach Club. He also served on the board of directors at Skytop Lodge in the Poconos.

Born in East Orange, Hal graduated from West Orange High School, Middlebury College, Columbia Law School and received a master’s degree in tax law at Boston University.

At the time of his retirement, Hal, known in the business world as Bill, was a partner in the firm of K&L Gates. He concentrated on environmental law and related litigation, particularly Superfund matters.

Hal is survived by: his wife of 59 years, Karen Detweiler Hyatt; his daughter, Hillary Tidwell (Rusty)and grandchildren, Jimmy and Abigail; and his son, William H. Hyatt, III (Brandy) and grandchildren Tyler and Andrew.

A memorial visitation is set for Wednesday, Nov. 15, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Little Silver EMS http://www.littlesilverems.org/donate.html or Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue https://dvgrr.org/shop/donation/.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home