Robert Hayes Jr.

1943 - 2026

On Monday, January 5, 2026, Robert Hayes, Jr.—known as Bob to most—passed away suddenly but peacefully at his home in Burr Ridge, Illinois. He was 82 years old. Just over a week earlier, on December 28, Bob celebrated his birthday and 57th wedding anniversary with the love of his life, Virginia “Ginny” Hayes (née Vaughn). In 2013, he and Ginny traded their longtime home in Oak Park for a condominium in Burr Ridge. While he enjoyed condo living and did not regret downsizing, Bob’s heart always remained in Oak Park—the community where he spent many years living, working, and raising his four children alongside Ginny.

Born on December 28, 1943, at Garfield Park Hospital on Washington Blvd. in Chicago, he was the oldest son of the late Marilyn (née Streicker) and late Robert Hayes, Sr.  Joined by his four siblings, Mike, Pat, Don and Terry, he spent his early years under the watchful eye of Marilyn, living at 5248 VanBuren on the West Side of Chicago with his maternal grandparents, Agnes and Phil Streicker, while his father served overseas in the Pacific during World War II. Following his father’s return from the war, the family made their home on Lombard Avenue in Oak Park.  

As a child, Bob spent many summers with family and friends at the family summer home, affectionately known as “The Shamrock,” built by his great-grandfather in Sister Lakes, Michigan. It was there that countless memories were made that continued throughout his life and helped shape his appreciation for the outdoors. These early experiences fostered a lifelong love of camping, skiing, fishing, and hunting that he carried with him for years to come.  

He attended St. Frances of Rome School in Cicero, Illinois, for his elementary education, spent two years at Providence St. Mel High School, final two years at Oak Park and River Forest High School. In 1964 he entered the Marine Corps, ultimately returning home after active duty, where he attended Loyola University.  However, it wasn’t long before his growing painting business became more important and fun than going to school.  It was at this point that his “weekend job” of painting houses grew into a lifelong vocation and the successful family business known today as Hayes Decorating.

In 1968, Bob married Ginny at St. Vincent Ferrer Church in River Forest, and the couple made their first home in Elmwood Park. Following the birth of their daughter, Colleen, in 1970, they moved to their home on Ridgeland Avenue in Oak Park around 1972. It was there that they welcomed three more children—Erin in 1979, Kevin in 1980, and Kerry in 1983.  Bob and Ginny enjoyed a long and loving marriage, with regular fishing trips to Bennett Springs, Florida, and many memorable years in the Love Nest, perched above the St. Joseph River in Niles, Michigan. 

With Ginny by his side, Bob devoted himself not only to growing his successful business, which became well known throughout the area, but—most importantly—to being a loving and devoted father. He cherished time with his children, taking family vacations, and could often be found supporting them in everyday moments and special milestones alike, including coaching their t-ball and softball teams. In his later years, Bob could be found teaching grandchildren to fly fish off the docks in Sister Lakes.  Bob truly delighted in his family, and they delighted in him. To his grandchildren, he was affectionately called “Peepa,” a name he accepted and wore with pride.  He was a warm, loving, and FUNNY grandpa whom his grandchildren all loved and adored.  

Bob, no matter where, or with whom, was always known for his wonderful (and sometimes a bit off-color!) sense of humor!  He could always be counted on for a good laugh, a well-timed joke, a silly nickname, or utilizing one of his favorite comedic props - his stub of a pointer finger.      

Bob deeply valued his friends as well. He took great joy in sharing life with those around him. Whether gathering for a night on the town, weekly golf, hosting or attending dinner parties, or setting off on vacations together, Bob believed that time spent with others was time well spent. He was a loyal friend, a great host, great cook (often standing out at the barbecue grill on Ridgeland whether rain or shine!) and someone people felt comfortable around.  Always easy to talk to, dependable, and genuinely interested in others. You could not ask for more in a friend, spouse, father, or grandfather. 

Bob showed up for the people in his life, not out of obligation, but out of kindness, humor, and a generosity of spirit. Those who knew him knew they were truly known and deeply valued.   He will be deeply missed.  

Bob is survived by his loving wife Ginny, his children: Colleen (the late Steve) Malinowski, Erin (Michael) Mullen, Kevin (Brittany) Hayes, and Kerry (Larry) Powers; his grandchildren Sarah, Peter, and Mary (Mo) Malinowski; Molly and Maura Mullen; Teagan, Streicher, and Rylan Hayes; Emmett, Neve, Sloane, and Saoirse Powers, his brothers Michael (Sharon) Hayes, Patrick (Marlena) Hayes, and sister Terry (Dave) Budge, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.  He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, the late Donald (Sara) Hayes.