Edmond John "Ed" Hayes

Mystic - Edmond "Ed" John Hayes, formerly of West Hartford and Mystic, passed away peacefully at home March 31, 2025, surrounded by his devoted family. Born to Edmond and Ellen (Landers) Hayes, Ed and his two sisters, Monnie and Kally, grew up in the Frog Hollow neighborhood of Hartford. A proud graduate of Hartford Public High School, Class of 1956, Ed's strong sense of community and dedication to family were evident from an early age.

Following high school, Ed honorably served his country in the United States Army for two years. Upon returning home to Hartford, he met the love of his life, Katherine (Moynihan) Hayes. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter and unwavering devotion, sharing nearly 60 wonderful years of marriage. They raised their three daughters in East Granby and West Hartford before retiring to Mystic.

Ed spent the majority of his career as a computer programmer at Combustion Engineering and later retired from the State of Connecticut. For the past 20 seasons, Ed was a starter at Pequot Golf Course, where he shared his love for the game with friends and players.

A passionate sports enthusiast, Ed was a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtic and New York Giants. He was deeply involved in athletics, running the game clock for the University of Hartford men's basketball team for many seasons and coaching CYO basketball, instilling his love for the game in young athletes.

A proud Irishman, Ed and Katherine traveled to Ireland several times with their family to celebrate their shared heritage and embrace the traditions and history that connected them to their roots.

Ed was the heart and soul of his family - a proud son, brother, friend, husband, father, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather. His unwavering faith, kindness and steadfast presence were a source of strength to all who knew him. Whether offering a helping hand, a listening ear or simply a warm smile, Ed was the first call whenever anyone needed support.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion, carried on through his family, Mary Kay and James Pappas, Nancy and John McCarrick, Tricia Reyda, Meghan and Matt Meikleham, Kat and Keegan Mehlhorn, Andrew and Nicole Pappas, Jake and Lilly Pappas, John Pappas, Molly Reyda, Caroline Reyda, Nelle Mehlhorn, Hayes Meikleham, Van Mehlhorn, and Luke Meikleham. Ed was reunited in eternal peace with his beloved wife, Katherine; and his adored son-in-law, Joseph J. Reyda.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 12, at St. Mary Church, 22 Broad Street, Stonington. There will be no calling hours, and the burial is private. The Mystic Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Ed's name can be made to the Joe Reyda '85 Fund at Gonzaga College High School, 19 Eye Street, NW Washington, DC 20001.