Richard S. “Dick” Hayes Jr., 94, died on Friday, February 16, 2024 at his home at River Woods, Manchester, NH. He was born on May 28, 1929 in Chicago, IL to Richard S. and Teresa D. Hayes and was raised in Montclair, NJ. Dick lived a life filled with love, laughter and unwavering dedication to his family and friends.
He graduated from Philips Exeter Academy in 1946, going on to graduate from Princeton University in 1951 on a Navy ROTC scholarship. In 1955, Dick wed the love of his life, Connie Leonard.
During the summers of 1944 and 1945 he served as a Hutman under Joe Dodge for the Appalachian Mountain Club at Greenleaf and Lonesome Lake Huts in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. At Princeton he was a member of the Swim Team and Cheerleading Squad. Upon graduation, he served bravely in the US Navy, reaching the rank of Lieutenant JG. (Note: OHA database shows his years at 1946 and 1947)
After serving his country honorably, Dick joined his father in sales and marketing at the Okonite Cable Company of Passaic, NJ. Later, Dick joined his father-in-law in the leather manufacturing business, and became president of V. & F. W. Filoon Co. in Brockton, MA launching a long career in the leather industry.
Dick’s family was always the most important part of his life. He and Connie raised their five children in Ridgewood, NJ, Hingham, MA, and Peterborough, NH before eventually retiring to Manchester, NH in 2012. Known as Da, Bumpa, Grampie and Grampa, he had a unique relationship with all his grandchildren; each of them knowing he was their biggest fan.
Dick is predeceased by his loving wife Connie, sister Nancy Hinman, beloved son Chris, and beautiful granddaughter Alison. He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Rosemary Santos (Paul) of Albion, RI, Beth Dillon (Denis) of Dover, NH, Amy Valenti (Michael) of Dover, DE, and Pete Hayes of NYC; daughters-in-law, Julie Hayes of Greenland, NH and Laura Stackhouse of NYC; his 11 adoring grandchildren: Hayley (Ethan), Alex, Taylor (Grace), Katie, Dan (Jessica), Caroline, Abigail, Nathan (Jordyn), Chris (Emma), Spencer, and Ruby. He also leaves behind his darling great granddaughters, Charley and Alexandra, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Dick’s passions included flyfishing, sailing, hiking, cycling, woodworking, knot tying, music, and the Boston Red Sox.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 8, 2024 at 11:30 am in St. Catherine of Siena Parish, 207 Hemlock St. Manchester, NH. A burial with military honors will follow at 2:00 pm at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH. Family and friends are kindly invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the RiverWoods Benevolent Fund, 200 Alliance Way, Manchester, New Hampshire 03102.
The family extends their warmest thanks and gratitude to the RiverWoods staff for the exceptional and loving care provided to Dick in his final chapter.
Assisting with arrangements is The Phaneuf Funeral Home & Crematorium in Manchester. To view Dick’s online tribute or leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.phaneuf.net