Stephen William Hayes

Baltimore, MD - Stephen William Hayes, 84, of Silver Spring, MD passed away peacefully at Johns Hopkins Hospital in the company of his wife, son, and daughter-in-law on Sunday, June 19th.

Stephen William was born September 18, 1937 in St. Joseph, MO to Stephen David and Mary Ellen Hayes (nee Mooney). He was a graduate of Christian Brothers High School (valedictorian); the University of Missouri; and University of Santa Clara Law School. The eldest of four siblings and known for his gentle and unassuming nature, Stephen William remembered his hometown fondly and regularly shared stories of its charm ranging from delivering the newspaper to Coleman Hawkins' mother, his father's years as a foreman in the stockyards, to seeing Mickey Mantle play minor league ball.

Stephen William left St. Joseph for San Francisco in the late 60's where he built a life around the extensive music scene, book collecting, friendships, and travel. In 1982, he moved to Frankfurt am Main. In 1985, he met his wife, Marina Torres del Aguila of Lima, Peru, while vacationing in Rome. They were married in 1988 with ceremonies in Frankfurt; Lima, Peru; and San Francisco before welcoming their child, Stephen Juan, in 1990 in Frankfurt. After returning to the States in 1991, Stephen William and family settled in Montgomery County, MD while working as legal counsel at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in D.C.

Stephen William was an able attorney whose legal mind earned him professional awards and the enduring respect of his colleagues. He retired from the Corps in 2013 after more than 40 years of federal service.

Stephen William was an avid concertgoer worldwide and spent countless hours in the Alte Oper in Frankfurt, War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco, and the Kennedy Center in D.C. A lifelong traveler, Stephen William regularly frequented Lima, Peru; Paris, France; and Frankfurt, Germany with trips to India, Turkey, Brazil, and more over his 84 years.

Stephen William was a kind and generous father who openly shared his interests with his son and lovingly supported his every pursuit. His extensive collection of books and music thoughtfully collected over a lifetime fostered a spirit of intellectual enrichment and curiosity that lives on.

A humble and gentle soul to all he met, Stephen William shared his extensive knowledge of literature, music, history, art, and baseball with all. His lifelong love of learning continues in the many who knew him well. His humility and commitment to justice inspires those fortunate to share in it.

Stephen William leaves behind his devoted wife, Marina T. Hayes; and his loving son, Stephen Juan Hayes and daughter-in-law Allison LaCroix. He is also survived by his brother Michael Hayes of Kansas City, MO; and sisters Mary Ellen Wolfe of Faucett, MO; and Johannah Hausman, of St. Joseph, MO.

Donations in memory of Stephen William are welcome:

-Washington Performing Arts Society

-Friends of the Library of Montgomery County, MD