Wendell Gordon (WG) Hobby, 83, of West Caldwell, NJ, peacefully passed away on April 1, 2026, at Inglemoor Rehabilitation & Care Center in Livingston, NJ.

WG was born on March 2, 1943, in Worcester, MA, the only child of Eleanor (Erickson) and John Lincoln Hobby. His adventurous spirit was embraced and encouraged by his parents, creating a truly wonderful childhood.

WG graduated in 1961 from Worcester Boys’ Trade High School in Worcester, MA. He then joined the U.S. Navy as a jet mechanic during the Vietnam War, where he spent “four years, four months, and four days” in sunny California.

WG loved his Oakland Raiders and the New York Yankees. He enjoyed fishing for bass and photography. He was fascinated by the U.S. Civil War, reading every book he could find on the subject. He loved rock concerts – AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses, and Metallica, but he was most passionate about Nautilus and physical fitness.

There was good reason for that passion. After a traumatic brain injury left WG in a coma for six months, followed by an additional year of hospitalization, his life was turned upside down. In 1975, he returned to the care of his parents in DeBary, Florida. At that time, Arthur Jones and Dr. Ellington Darden were establishing Nautilus Sports/Medical Industries as a major force in the physical fitness world, and WG’s father, John, happened to be working next door. John asked Arthur if there was anything they could do for his paralyzed son. Through WG’s sheer determination, combined with their guidance, he used Nautilus equipment to regain control of his body.

After three years of rebuilding, WG regained his ability to walk, then to drive, and eventually his independence. Determined to give back to the company and community that gave him a second chance at life, WG studied communications at the request of Arthur Jones and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida in 1986. He then dedicated the next 18 years as a volunteer fitness instructor in the Orlando, FL area. He trained Disney executives, real estate developers, and Miss USA pageant contestants, earning the nickname “Two More Reps Wendell” before retiring in the mid-2000s.

When his body grew tired from carrying the load of two lifetimes, he moved to West Caldwell, NJ, to be with his family. His days were spent sharing stories only he could tell, watching the New York Yankees, listening to “head-banging” rock and roll, and continuing to preach the Nautilus philosophy to anyone who would listen.

For the last two years, WG lived at Inglemoor Rehabilitation & Care Center, surrounded by loving caretakers, an extraordinary staff, and many new friends. Everyone there has a “WG story.” They knew he preferred AC/DC over Frank Sinatra and that, according to WG, the New York Yankees were winning the World Series every year.

Those continuing to share WG’s story are his children: Brandi Milano and her husband, Michael, of West Caldwell, NJ; Stephanie Hobby of Dudley, MA; and Lincoln Hobby and his fiancé, Michelle Bodell, of Webster, MA. He is also survived by his former wife and the mother of his children, Linda Mason and her husband, Stephen Mason; eight grandchildren—Christina Marie, Nathaniel John, Cooper James, Johnathon, Patrick Morgan, Luke Michael, Nicholas, and Ty Morgan; four great-grandchildren; and many loving family members and friends, including John Donovan, the Milano family, the Mason family, Mark and Denise Hobby, Philip Demers, Bruce (“Pete”) and Sharon Peterson, and the King family.

Wendell Gordon Hobby touched so many lives—from Massachusetts to California and from Florida to New Jersey. We were all lucky to share time and space with him, and if you were lucky enough to receive one of his belly laughs that ended in a snort, you knew you were someone special.

A private burial will take place in May at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton, MA.

In honor of WG, we warmly invite you to consider supporting the traumatic brain injury (TBI) research at Kessler Foundation. Donations can be made here: https://kesslerfoundation.donorsupport.co/-/NJKHLGBT?member=SSRHMBVH