With profound love and gratitude, the Hayes family announces the passing of Richard N. Hayes on November 19, 2025. Born in West Hartford, CT on December 9, 1932, he was the son of the late William Hayes and Helena Hayes (née Cooney). Married for 55 years to the late Janet Kardos Hayes, the “girl next door” became his beloved lifelong partner in every sense. He was the cherished father of R. Neil Hayes, Jr of Essex, Linda Hayes-Lutian and Michael Lutian of Milford, Lori Hayes-O’Brien and James O’Brien of Trumbull, and Brian Hayes and Kelley Hayes of Milford, and the proud, incomparable "Grampy" to Claire Hayes, R. Neil Hayes, III, David Lutian and Katie Lutian, Jeffrey Lutian, Elizabeth Lutian, Jonathan O’Brien, Katelyn O’Brien, Olivia Hayes, and Brian Hayes, Jr., who treasured him deeply.
His formative years were shaped by the water. He grew up sailing out of the Housatonic Boat Club on Long Island Sound, where he was a devoted member for over 80 years. He competitively raced one-design Lightnings throughout the Northeast, his four children rotating through crew positions learning firsthand what he valued most: teamwork, perseverance, and joy in the journey. As life evolved, he moved from racing to cruising, exploring Long Island Sound, and the coasts of Massachusetts, and Rhode Island aboard his Ericson 29 and later his Ericson 35, always with his wife Janet by his side, his favorite shipmate. He cherished and nurtured the friends he made through a mutual love of the sea.
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