John J. Hayes

John Joseph Hayes (90), loving husband of Ursula Ann (Wallace) Hayes for 63 years, passed away Easter Sunday at his home. Born in New London, CT on December 5, 1931, he lived in Milford for most of his life. He attended Milford Public Schools, received a bachelor’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University, a master’s degree from Fairfield University, and a sixth-year degree from the University of Bridgeport. He was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force before beginning his career in education.

John worked for the Milford Board of Education for over 40 years, starting as an elementary school teacher and elementary counselor at Pumpkin Delight Grammar School, followed by Milford High School, Joseph A. Foran High School, and Jonathan Law High School as a well-loved guidance counselor. He was instrumental in procuring funding for state accredited schooling, as well as establishing and working at the tutoring program at The Boy’s Village. Continuing long into his retirement, John stayed a part of the educational system by proctoring the ASVAB test across the state.

John was an active, lifetime, parishioner of St. Mary Church, where he started his service as an Altar Server in the 1930s. As an adult, John acted as a Eucharistic Minister for many years. He was a recipient of the St. Joseph Medal of Appreciation for his countless years of volunteering for St. Mary Parish, and school, given by the Archdiocese of Hartford. He continued with service to his community as a lifetime 4th degree member and past Grand Knight of the Milford Knights of Columbus, Tinto Council 47.

Extremely proud of his

Irish heritage, John was a 40+ year member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Bridgeport. You could often find him singing along to the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. Throughout his life, one of John’s favorite pastimes was sailing. He was a longtime member of the Windjammers Sailing Club and was well-known for his “placed last, but finished” race results. He also enjoyed golfing throughout his retirement. John was fiercely loyal, and always knew how to make you laugh. He could tell a story like no one else. His presence will be sorely missed by all that knew him.

John was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Bridget (Hann) Hayes of Milford; his siblings, Paul Hayes, Dolorose Royak, Mary Matthews, and Rev. Edward Hayes.

Along with his wife, he is survived by his five children, Michael (Meghean) Hayes of Orange, Mary Hewitt of Milford, Patricia (Michael) Gargiulo of Cheshire, John (Elizabeth Mazzabufi) Hayes, Jr. of Milford, and Robert (Kristen) Hayes of Woodbridge. He will lovingly be remembered by his grandchildren: Charise, Charles, Jennifer (Albert), Michael, Patrick, Brian, Kerry ( Jake), Brendan (Sarah), Sean, and Clare.

He also leaves behind his devoted caregiver, Cremilde Diaz, and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the medical professionals from Home Care Plus for their many years of varied assistance.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 25, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Mary Church (Precious Blood Parish) 70 Gulf St., Milford, CT. Interment following at Saint Mary Cemetery, Buckingham Ave., Milford, CT. Friends and family may call from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 24, 2022 at the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad St., Milford, CT. To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com