Robert Hamilton Hayes of Hope Street, Attleboro, Massachusetts died on Friday, June 29, 2007 at the Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center at the age of 81. He was the beloved husband of Bertha Irene (Clegg) Hayes to whom he was married to on June 17, 1950.
Born in Mansfield, Massachusetts on September 19, 1925, he was the wonderful son of the late Fred R. and Florence Louise (Hardy) Hayes.
He attended Mansfield High School and then left school to serve in the United States Navy during World War II and achieved the rank of Seaman First Class. For his courageous service, he was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, the American Theatre Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Theatre Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medal. Robert had gained a love of the sea and all things nautical from his time of being in the Navy. In recent years, he had proudly showed off his USS Fogg, DE-57 cap around Attleboro acknowledging one of his several service ships with the Navy.
Robert and Bertha had spent 57 wonderful years together in bliss. They would establish a weekly “date night” for themselves that would include a lovely dinner and a movie. This became truly a wonderful tradition which many believe was one of the key ingredients to their successful marriage and loving relationship.
He excelled in math; however spelling was not one of his strong points. He was a tremendous sports enthusiast, especially cheering on the Boston Red Sox. He had overwhelming joy when he was proved wrong in believing that he would never live long enough to see the Boston Red Sox win the World Series. The simple things in life enlightened him; a great cup of coffee, iced or hot and the daily newspaper. He enjoyed model making, bowling, and photography. Additionally, he was quite the avid reader. He was known by those closest as a kind soul and a generous man who was quick to laugh, and slow to anger.
He had been employed by several firms in the jewelry business including the L.G. Balfour Company and Leach & Garner for many years.
Robert is survived by two daughters: Roberta L. Hayes, of Attleboro; and Deborah L. Zuilkowski, of Denmark, New York; a son: Kenneth R. H. Hayes, of Attleboro; and one grandchild: Joshua Michael.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visitation on Thursday, July 5, 2007 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM in the “Commonwealth Chapel” of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right at end of ramp, ¾ mile on left), Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro.
Children’s room available during visitation.
Those in need of a ride to visitation may call the funeral home at (508) 695-0200 to make an advance reservation for such gratis transportation.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend a Graveside Funeral Service with Military Honors on Friday, July 6, 2007 at 1:00 PM at Spring Brook Cemetery, Spring Street, Mansfield with the Rev. Dr. S. William Sencabaugh officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Robert’s name and in his memory may be made to the Salvation Army, Attention: Development/WS, 147 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116.
To send the family an expression of sympathy, please visit our on-line register book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200.