Kevin F. Hayes

Kevin F. Hayes, 66, of Hanover passed away peacefully on February 5, 2017 after a long illness. He was surrounded by his loving wife of 32 years Cathy, their children Becky and Jimi, and his sister Tessie. He was the son of William and Elizabeth Hayes of Pittsfield, MA. Kevin grew up in Pittsfield and attended UMass Amherst for Hotel and Restaurant Administration. He was a test soldier at the Natick Labs for the U.S. Army in the early 70’s with medals for good conduct and service. After the army, Kevin worked for the foodservice industry in management. He was overseeing Bone Student Center dining and catering at Illinois State University when he met his wife, Cathy. They married in 1984 and moved to Quincy, MA. Kevin then worked for Sodexo of Waltham for 12 years where he was a forerunner in computer technology. Kevin’s interest in computers fueled his son’s passion for the field. In 1998, Kevin joined his brother Patrick at Siena Construction Corporation for over fifteen years.

Kevin was a chef at heart and master baker for his family and friends, always filling the house with the aroma of fresh bread and cookies. A truly generous man, Kevin loved sharing meals and food with his children’s high school sports teams, church gatherings, and family parties. An avid hiker and outdoorsman, Kevin took his family to New Hampshire every summer where they camped for many years roasting marshmallows by the fire. His daughter fondly remembers when Kevin introduced her to backpacking on a trip up Mount Washington.

Other hobbies Kevin enjoyed were gardening, stained glass work, and cheering on his favorite sport’s teams, especially the Red Sox and Patriots. Kevin also called himself a political junkie. A longtime supporter of public media, he would listen to NPR every day on his long commute to Cambridge.

He was a devoted husband and father, taking great pride in the accomplishments of his children. Along with his wife, he is survived by his children Rebecca, who is currently serving in Peace Corps Nicaragua, and James of Brighton. He is also survived by his brother Charles and wife Susan Hayes of Washington, D.C., sister Maggie and husband Tom Campbell of Braintree, and sister Tessie and husband Jerry Doyle of Rockland. He also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. One of nine siblings, Kevin was pre-deceased by his brothers David, Bernie, and Patrick Hayes and his sisters Jane Joubert and Helen Hayes.

Visiting hours will be held Friday February 10th, from 5-8 PM at Sullivan Funeral Home, 551 Washington Street Rte. 53 in Hanover. A funeral service and celebration of life will be held on Saturday February 11th at 10 AM at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 77 Rockland Street in Hanover. Burial on Monday at 10 AM at Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Lutheran Church of the Cross or please make a donation to WGBH.org or your local public radio station.