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Who was Dick Hoyt's wife Judy Hoyt? A look at Boston Marathon icon's family and children after death at 80

Judy and Dick fought with the system to get son Rick access to education

Boston Marathon icon Dick Hoyt has died aged 80. He passed away in his sleep on Wednesday morning, his family confirmed and added that his "ongoing heart condition got the better of him." Dick and wife Judy Hoyt, who died in September 2010, were parents to Rick, Russell, and Robert. Of the three siblings, Rick needed the most assistance since he is quadriplegic and has cerebral palsy.

Fortunately, Rick was never made to feel secluded. His family, especially Judy, did all they could to ensure that he had access to the opportunities as any growing kid would have. But they knew it was not going to be easy and were up for a challenge.

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Who was Judy Hoyt?

Doting mother aside, Judy believed in championing diversity in education. According to a Cerebral Palsy report, she fought "for the passage of a Massachusetts’ education reform law that forced public school districts to accommodate individuals with disabilities." This was a massive move that not only secured her child's future but several others who were struggling to find their feet.

"Mom fought for the rights of me and thousands of others to enter public school. She pushed ahead even if it meant calling senators from different states to make sure her point was heard,” Rick told the organization and added: “It was important to Mom that I be fully included.”

Team Hoyt's 1000 races

Rick was close with his mother but shared a special connection with his father that intensified over decades of racing and running. Dick's first race was in 1977 when Rick wanted to raise money to pay medical bills for a Lacrosse player who had been paralyzed waist down in an accident. Three years later, Team Hoyt participated in their first Boston Marathon. By 2009, the father-son duo had completed 1000 races, many of them being triathlons even.

Their final finish came in 2014, a fitting end to an inspirational journey that will always be remembered for the bravery and courage it displayed. The image of Dick pushing Rick in a custom racing chair was a powerful sight that millions will take away from their stint at the marathons. They have raced for decades and it's only understandable if Dick's passing hit him like a ton of bricks. "You could see it in him (Rick), it was like someone hit him," Russell told AP.

Interestingly, the races were not just for them to build confidence and achieve the impossible. They raised millions for several organizations such as Easter Seals and the Children's Hospital Boston-Augmentative Communication Enhancement Program and even established a non-profit-organization themselves. The Hoyt Foundation came into existence in 1989 with a vision to assist disabled young Americans and help them build self-confidence and self-esteem.

Dick leaves behind a legacy that will be tough to live up to. While the family recovers from the loss, netizens have flooded social media with condolences. 

"Covered a few New England races in my early TV career (Boston Marathon, Falmouth Road Race on Cape Cod) and to witness this in person was indescribable. Being a father isn’t words..it’s actions, presence, two strong arms. Dick Hoyt was a machine. Looking forward to Scott’s words," sportscaster Bucci Mane wrote. 

"A inspiration in our sport of triathlon and throughout the world. Being a mum, it is inspiring to see the level of love Dick Hoyt had for his son, Rick. "The best that has happened to me in my life has come from handling the worst that's happened to me in my life." ~Dick Hoyt," Triathlete Mirinda Carfrae tweeted. 

"Being a professional in the sport of triathlon for as long as I have, I know the power that Dick Hoyt brought to so many peoples lives throughout the world. His inspiration will be greatly missed, but will also live on in all of us. #TeamHoyt," triathlete Timothy O'Donnell posted.

See more of Team Hoyt's iconic moments here: