John F. Hayes, Jr., 89, of Rochester passed away Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at home surrounded by his family. He was the husband of 62 years, of Eunice M. (Kenyon) Hayes.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late John F. and Sylvia (Almy) Hayes, he settled in Rochester in 1956. John served in the Navy as a pilot on the Carrier USS Sangamon and the USS Chenango and was the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross Air Medal, 2 Gold Stars, the Purple Heart, the American Campaign, Asiatic, Pacific Theatre, with 2 Stars and the WWII Victory Medal. He retired from the Navy in 1972 as a Lieutenant Commander. John later worked for the State Highway Department as a surveyor.
He loved camping and fishing and until recently was an active bowler with the Jolly Senior League. He was also a member of the Freetown VFW Post # 6643. Mr. Hayes loved watching his grandchildren and son in law play and coach Little League.
He is survived by his wife; a son, John R. Hayes of Eugene, Oregon; a daughter, Nancy H. Mills and her husband Gary of Rochester; a brother, Alan Hayes and his wife Gisela of Carver; five grandchildren, Emma Higley and her husband Scott of Oregon, Greg Mills and his wife Stasha of Marion, Shane Mills and his wife Sara of Fairhaven, Johnanne Eilertsen and her husband Brett of Mattapoisett and Thomas Mills of Rochester; five great grandchildren, Colin, Brady, Chase, Carson and Shelby; and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Hayes was the brother of the late Raymond Hayes, Sylvia Pelletier and Norma Lemos
In accordance with his wishes he will be cremated and a private graveside service will be held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. Arrangements are by the Fairhaven Funeral Home, 117 Main Street, Fairhaven.