Kent Leonard Hayward Sr.

Kent Leonard Hayward Sr. of Palm Coast, Florida passed away peacefully on October 3rd, 2025, with his family at his side. He was 87 years old.
A lifelong fan of a great story and a good laugh, he leaves those he loved with a treasure trove of memories.
Kent was born May 3, 1938, in Springfield Massachusetts to Elizabeth and Leonard Hayward. He grew up in the Brightwood section of Springfield, hanging out with friends at Buckley’s garage. It was there he honed his gift of gab and love of a practical joke. Quick with a quip, affable and easy going, he made friends everywhere he went. Kent could strike up a conversation with anyone and left them all with a smile.
Kent attended Springfield Technical High School, graduating in 1956. It was there he met the love of his life Virginia, beginning a romance that spanned over 65 years. As a young man he went to work for his Uncle Jim Maroney selling paint and wallpaper at Imperial Paint and Wallcoverings, eventually rising to the position of New England Sales Manager.
In 1969 Kent moved his young family to Atlanta to become Vice President of Sales, traveling extensively throughout the Southwest. Returning to New England in 1977, he began working for Collins and Aikman, directing the creation of a new line of wallcovering. Subsequent positions brought him to Massachusetts, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, ultimately retiring in 2003 to Connecticut to live near family.
Retirement gave Kent an opportunity to spend more time with his children and grandchildren, as well as his adored Pugs Cindy and Puggy. In between taking his grandkids fishing and to get ice cream, he became a driver for Lia motor group, and enjoyed working in the club house at Elmcrest Country Club. Kent was an avid reader and golfer, meeting Chi-Chi Rodriguez and Arnold Palmer. On a particularly historic day, Kent celebrated the elusive hole in one!
Fleeing the New England winters, Kent and Virginia shared their last ten years together enjoying the warmth of Florida.
Kent is survived by his wife Virginia Florence Hayward, son Kent L Hayward Jr and his wife Susan, son Kyle Hayward and his wife Sandy, brother David Hayward and his wife Charo, and grandchildren Justin, Connor and Nikki. He is predeceased by his beloved granddaughter Marissa.
Mass will be held at St Bernards Church, 426 Hazard Avenue, Enfield Connecticut on May 2, 2026 at 11:00am , with graveside ceremony to follow at Hazardville cemetery.