Richard W. Hayes

CONSTABLEVILLE - Richard W. Hayes, 65, husband of Barbara and a lifelong resident of the Mohawk Hill and Constableville areas, passed away at his home on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, from pancreatic cancer. He was under the care of his loving family and Hospice.

Richard was born on November 11, 1959, the son of Barbara Carpenter Hayes and Harold Hayes. He grew up on the family farm on Mohawk Hill, and graduated from South Lewis Central School and from BOCES, where he majored in carpentry, with the Class of 1978.

He began his working career part-time with his brother-in-law, David Ward at Ward Electric Co., and also at the Town of West Turin. In 1980, Richard began full-time employment with the Town of West Turin Highway Department, retiring in 2017. After retirement, he founded his carpentry business, "Richard W. Hayes Construction." Richard was a gifted and talented carpenter, and he operated his carpentry company with ingenuity and precision. Richard will be fondly remembered for his beautiful soul. He possessed a strong work ethic and would drop everything to help someone in need.

On June 30, 1984, Richard was married to Barbara Ward at St. Mary's Church, Constableville. This loving union became a marriage which recently celebrated 40 years.

He was predeceased by his parents, Barbara in 1997 and Harold in 2008; brother-in-law, Mark Metott, in 2020, and sister-in-law, Mary (Ward) Kellogg, in 2021.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; daughters, Rebecca (Becky) (Shawn) Keefer, Croghan, Patricia Hayes (Caleb), Nashville, TN, and Heather Hayes, CT; a beautiful granddaughter, Riley; sisters, Julie Hayes (Bill) Glendale, WI, Peggy Kirk, Constableville, Mary (Jim) Wiedmer, Boonville; brother, Ed Hayes, Constableville, and many in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Richard attended St. Mary's Church, Constableville, and was a 32-year member of the Constableville Fire Department.

He greatly enjoyed spending time with his family and granddaughter Riley, camping at Cold Brook Campsite in the summer and reveling from the companionship of their canine friend, Jasmine. He also enjoyed bowling, hunting, cutting wood and playing cards. Richard took pride in his community by building and maintaining the ice at the Constableville Skating Rink.

In 2023, a fundraiser was held when Richard was diagnosed with cancer. He and his family were amazed and so thankful for the love and generosity from so many family, friends and strangers.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Rev. Daniel Chapin at St. Mary's Church, Constableville, on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at 10 a.m. Calling hours were Monday, from 2-6 p.m. at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc., 143 Schuyler St., Boonville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Constableville Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 438, Constableville, NY 13325, or to Friends of Lewis County Hospice, PO Box 266, Lowville, NY 13367.

For an on-line message of sympathy, please go to www.trainorfuneralhome.com.