John G Hayden

Born in California to John C. & Miriam (Gerlicher) Hayden, John grew up in Vancouver, WA. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at the Presidio of San Francisco. It was near the Presidio where he met his future wife, Elizabeth Weymouth. After marrying in 1957, John and Elizabeth moved first to Los Angeles, then later to Rochester, NY where he graduated from the Eastman School of Music. John and family spent a year in Texas where he was a professional oboist in the San Antonio Symphony. In 1963 John joined the Coast Guard Band in New London, where he played oboe, English horn, and saxophone. He retired as Chief Petty Officer in 1980. John also ran a successful international oboe and English horn double-reed business for 40 years.

Besides his love of classical music and Italian operas, he was also known as a great connoisseur of fine wines, amassing a diverse collection of American and foreign vintages. He developed a keen interest in metaphysics and yoga philosophy over the years and was a member of Self-Realization Fellowship from the 1980s on. He loved animals, especially cats of all sizes, German shepherds, and backyard wildlife.

John will be greatly missed by Elizabeth, his wife of 58 years, and his two daughters; Suzanne Bahmanyar and her husband Hom of San Jose, CA, and Marianne Morgan and her husband Timothy of Westerly, RI. He is also survived by his beloved granddaughter, Laina Muroni, of Brooklyn, NY. A special thanks to Norwichtown Rehab and Care Center, and especially Laura Lee, Cheryl, and Joan, whose exceptional kindness and generosity in John's final days will forever be appreciated.

A private service will be held at the family's convenience. In lieu of flowers, please consider adopting a pet from your local animal shelter or having a glass of wine in his memory.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.montvillefuneralhome.com