Noah Adam Hayes

Groton - Noah Adam Hayes, 20, formerly of Gales Ferry, died unexpectedly in Waterford, June 14, 2022. Noah was born Aug. 21, 2001, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital.

He leaves the love of his short life, Taiya Marie Dorsey, the mother of their children, Gracelynn Brianna Hayes and Leland Gray Hayes. Noah also leaves his mother Robbin Hayes of Waterbury; and his beloved grandmother Thelma Hayes of Charlestown, R.I. Noah is also survived by his sister Brianna Pearce; and his uncle CB Akin. Noah was predeceased by his namesake uncle Adam Thomas Akin; and his great-grandparents, Francis X. Hayes and Barbara Hayes. Noah also became part of Taiya's family - her mother Lindsey Rolfe; siblings, Ted Dorsey IV, Tabor Dorsey and Jacob Cobble; her aunt Tracy Beaudet, her "mimi" Patricia Balkau, her grandmother Sheri Bendfeldt, and her great-grandmother Joan Bendfeldt. They all loved Noah as their own. Noah met Taiya at the Ledyard Fair in 2019, and knew she was "the one" immediately. Together, they created two beautiful babies and enjoyed residences in Waterford, New London, Norwich and Groton. Noah was a gifted young man of many talents, the greatest being father to his babies and loving partner to Taiya. To see him care for Gracelynn and Leland was a beautiful site beyond description. His love for Taiya was huge, beautiful and unconditional.

Noah attended Sacred Heart School in Groton, from kindergarten to sixth grade. He then transferred to the Ledyard school system. Noah excelled at any sport in which he participated. He won the Sacred Heart School Marathon in his age group six years in a row. He played soccer and basketball for Sacred Heart while also playing for the Town of Ledyard sports of football, baseball and basketball. At age ten, he played on three different basketball leagues ­- Sacred Heart, Ledyard Town and Mashantucket - never missing a practice or game and maintaining perfect school attendance for five straight years. He also played basketball for Rose City Intensity. Noah was also an award winner, swimming for UConn TAC. He also played baseball, basketball and track for Ledyard High School. He loved Green Hill Beach in Rhode Island, where he became a surfer and skimboarding king.

Noah was fortunate to have had so many extraordinary teachers, coaches, priests, mentors, neighbors, friends and classmates throughout his life. Each one remained in his heart until the day he chose to leave us. Noah loved his best friends, Nick and Tyler, and his dog Stoli. Two other important friends, Kyler and Skyler, will forever miss Noah.

A Celebration of Life will be held at noon today, Sunday, June 19, at the Gales Ferry Community Center basketball court on Hurlbutt Road. A private service will be held at a later date at the Hayes Family plot in the Gales Ferry Cemetery. Byles Memorial is assisting the family with arrangements. Two websites have been established to defray expenses and to create a Ledyard basketball scholarship in Noah's name in the future: everloved.com/life-of/noah-hayes/ and Gracelynn and Leland. (gofundme.com).