Leslie Shannon Hoadley, 54, of Union Beach, passed away peacefully in his sleep Jan. 25, 2026, at home.
He was born Aug. 18, 1971, in Montclair to Leslie and Marilyn Hoadley. Shannon moved to Union Beach at a young age and made lifelong friends there. He attended Holy Family School and was a proud graduate of Mater Dei High School.
After high school, Shannon began a career in law enforcement that spanned 25 years, retiring as a sergeant from Essex County Corrections. Upon retirement, Shannon began a second career in school security, starting at Mater Dei Prep and ending at St. John Vianney.
As much as Shannon loved his career in law enforcement, his true passion was coaching youth athletics. Over his 36-year football and softball coaching career, he led numerous teams to state championship victories, making a difference in countless lives.
On Oct. 21, 2000, Shannon married the love of his life, Kimberly. During their 26-year marriage, they were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Isabelle Marilyn and Mackenzie Margaret. Shannon is also survived by his devoted sister Merritt Hoadley, soon-to-be brother-in-law Ronald Kutcher, and treasured goddaughter and niece Carolynn, as well as his mother-in-law Barbara Allen, and numerous in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren and friends.
Visitation will be held Jan. 29 at Day Funeral Home in Keyport. A Christian Mass was held Jan. 30 at Holy Family Church in Union Beach.
The article originally appeared in the February 12 – 18, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
