Donald Hayes

WAKEFIELD, RI - Donald Hayes, 93, passed away surrounded by family on December 11, 2025, in South County Hospital. He was the loving husband of Judith (Kulas) Hayes for 30 years. Born in Norwich, Connecticut, he was the son of the late William and Martha (Bergman) Hayes Paparelli.

Donald is predeceased by his loving wife, Mary O'Keefe Hayes, of 34 years of marriage. He is also predeceased by his brothers, William Hayes, Frank Paparelli, and his sister Nancy Brigner.

Donald grew up in Norwich, Connecticut. He went on to serve his country proudly during the Korean War in the United States Navy, and served two world tours on the destroyer, the USS John R. Pierce. Upon his return, he lived in Brooklyn, New York and attended and graduated from Pratt Institute, where he became an architectural engineer. He then settled in Brooklyn, New York where he married Mary and raised his family.

Upon the death of his first wife Mary, he relocated to Wakefield, Rhode Island, where he met and married Judith.

Donald was an avid fisherman and hunter. He enjoyed the outdoors.

In addition to his wife, Judith, Donald is survived by his daughters, Kathy Hayes Scotto (Mike) and Allison

Hayes Kovalcik (Andy); grandchildren, Michael Scotto (Jackie), Kristine Scotto Floyd (Mike), Kelly Kovalcik, Christopher Kovalcik, and Kyle Kovalcik; 3 great grandchildren, Gabriella, Michael and Ava; step-sons, Joseph Wagner and Robert Wagner (Michaela) as well as m any nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends were invited to visit with Donald's family on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 from 4pm - 6pm at Dougherty Brothers Funeral Home, 595 Norwich Rd., Plainfield, CT. A graveside service with Military Honors was held on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 11am at Evergreen Cemetery, Central Village, CT.

To leave a condolence or share a memory, please visit www.DoughertyBrothers.com