Obituary of Richard Patrick Hayes

Richard (Dick) P. Hayes, Sr., 85, of Vernon, passed away January 12, 2022.  He was born on December 18, 1936, in Manchester, CT, to the late Adelaide Brown Hayes and David Vincent Hayes. He graduated from Munson Academy and attended the University of Notre Dame. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and achieved the rank of Sergeant by the conclusion of his service.

In 1960, he started a real estate business, The Hayes Corporation, (It pays to call Hayes). In the 1970’s, he began to invest in commercial real estate, and in 1985, he formed a partnership, Hayes-Kaufman Developers.

His summer vacation time was spent with his children and grandchildren at his home on Block Island.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers Martin and David. He is survived by his three children, Richard Hayes Jr. and his wife Mary Wetmore Hayes of Bolton, his two daughters Patty Hayes of Lutherville, Maryland and Mary Doherty and her husband Mike Doherty of Westerly, Rhode Island; along with his six grandchildren, his sister Catherine and her husband Thomas Toomey, and many nieces and nephews. His companion of 30 years, Meeri Campos, resides in Connecticut. 

A celebration of life was held at Saint Bridget’s Church in Manchester.

Memorial donations in Richard’s memory may be made to The Committee for the Great Salt Pond, P.O. Box 1092, Block Island, RI, 02807.