Haylon Jr, William
William Dennis Haylon Jr., born July 22, 1959, died February 26, 2023. Bill, or "Hayles" as widely known, had many different roles over the course of his life: son, brother, devoted husband, father, entrepreneur, author, coach, and most recently, grandfather to four adorable grandchildren who never failed to put a smile on his face. Those who knew Hayles will agree it is impossible to paint a complete picture of his extraordinary life, as he meant so much to so many, often going above and beyond to make sure the people in his life were not only taken care of, but set up to succeed.
Hayles' unique combination of intellect, creativity, determination, humor, athletic skill and kindness always distinguished him. His siblings recall the many games he created in their early years in St. Louis (often mischievously with ever-changing rules) and later in West Hartford, Ct. Hayles played baseball at Hall High School and then Williams College, Class of 1981 (known for his legendary 70 mph fastball and even slower curveball). Hayles shared his love of sports and fun with his four children, once more making up games for his young family, and then later coaching them in their varied sports with a zeal that made plain he cherished every minute.
One cannot count the many professional achievements Hayles amassed during his lifetime. He acquired numerous companies that he then successfully ran, like Sterling Autobody and Neighborhood Diabetes. Full retirement eluded him, but ever productive, in recent career as an author, Hayles wrote and published three novels: I'm Will, The Missing Something Club, and The College Shrink.
Other than his family Hayles was most proud of his work with the Nativity School of Worcester. Hayles lived his life by the motto "leave this earth better than when you came into it" and Nativity, a middle school for underserved boys in Worcester, MA, bears out his commitment to this ideal. Through his 20 year tenure on the Board of Trustees, along with support he inspired from many generous family, friends, and community members, the Nativity School grew from a boy's school in the attic of a church into operation in its own building, the addition of extracurricular opportunities and support to students and their families and current expansion to provide education to underserved girls.
Hayles is survived by his wife Polly; children Gil (Annie), Todd (Margaret), Sarah, and Chase (Ben); mother Cecile Haylon Baker; four grandchildren Charlotte, Will, Elizabeth, and Tate; siblings Mike, Tim, Rick and Marile and a large and loving group of nieces, nephews, uncles, cousins, and close friends.
There will be a private service held for the family in the upcoming weeks. A "Celebration of Life" will occur at the Nativity School of Worcester later this spring (additional information to follow).
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Hayles' honor to the Nativity School of Worcester (https://nativityworcester.org/) or reading one of his books.