Mitchell M. Hayek

NEWTON - Mitchell M. "Mitch" Hayek, 83, died Wednesday, June 25, 2008, at home.

Born in Paterson, Mr. Hayek had lived in Newton since 1939. He and his brother, George Hayek, were the former owners/operators of Hayek's Market in Newton before retiring. A World War II veteran, Mr. Hayek served in the Merchant Marines. He was a member of St. Joseph's R.C. Church in Newton and was a fourth degree member of the Don Bosco Council Knights of Columbus. He was a former member of Newton Fire Department No. 2. Mr. Hayek was a volunteer at Newton Memorial Hospital for 14 years with more than 4,000 volunteer hours.

The son of the late Elias and Nadima Abdy Hayek, Mr. Hayek was also predeceased by his son, George A. Hayek, on Sept. 5, 1993.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, whom he married on May 3, 1953; one son, Louis Hayek and his wife, Joanne, of Indian Hills, Colo.; one daughter, Carol Ann Dowches and her husband, John III, of Fredon; three grandchildren, Lucas, Benjamin and Logan Hayek; one brother, George A. Hayek of Fredon; and one sister, Josephine Dibsie of Newton.

Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. on Monday at the Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High St., Newton, followed by an 11:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph's R.C. Church in Newton. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery Mausoleum in Newton. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m., with a Knights of Columbus service at 8 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Ave., Newton, NJ 07860 or St. Joseph's R.C. Church, 17 Elm St., Newton, NJ 07860.