In loving memory of Bill Hayes, a devoted father, grandfather, brother, son, and friend. His unwavering Catholic faith and love for his family will forever be cherished by all.
Obituary
William Thomas Hayes, (81), fondly known as Bill, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2024, at the Long Island Veterans Home in Stony Brook, Long Island. Bill was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, son, and friend. A native of Long Island, Bill was born in the Bronx in 1943 to William and Kathleen Hayes. He spent his early childhood in Garden City South, where he attended St. Thomas Elementary School and earned his high school diploma from La Salle Academy with honors. Shortly after graduating from La Salle Academy, Bill enlisted in the United States Army, completed boot camp at Fort Dix, New Jersey and served overseas in Vietnam, Japan, and Thailand.
After his honorable discharge from the Army in 1964, Bill earned his undergraduate and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees from Pace University in New York City. Giving back to his alma mater, Bill taught an MBA class in the evening while starting his career at J.P. Morgan Bank. He would later retire from J.P. Morgan after three decades of service in 1996 as a Managing Director.
A dedicated family man, Bill had four sons – Scott, Brent, Randy, and Will; and six grandchildren – Jyotin, Trew, Carter, Erin, Brynn, and Thea. While his parents William Patrick Hayes and Kathleen Mary Loughran have passed, his siblings Tommy, Jack, Kathy, Patty, and Jimmy survive him.
He enjoyed spending time with family - especially around the holidays where he would host memorable family gatherings. His neighborhood in Summerville, South Carolina, remembers him for his static displays of his Department 56 Villages in his garage where every holiday he invited friends and family over for a Christmas party with hot chocolate and cookies. Bill enjoyed going to his sons’ sporting events, attending the U.S. Open, and traveling internationally including memorable flights on the Concorde from New York to London.
Bill was a devoted member of his community, serving as a trustee for the Town of Lake Grove and active in the Lions Club, and St. Thomas the Apostle Church in West Hempstead. He spent many happy years living in Hempstead, Lake Grove, and Bellmore, New York, before retiring to Summerville, South Carolina, In his final months, Bill cherished his time with the Army so much that he wanted to return to Long Island and spend his final months with fellow service members at the Long Island Veterans Home. Army Navy Airforce and Marine Veterans were Bills companions as he enjoyed sitting outside in the sun and watching old black and white films with his fellow service members.
Wherever Bill lived, his Catholic faith and attending church was especially important to him and remained that way until his passing. Bill will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of love for God, country, family, hard work, and charity.
Timeline | 1943 - 2024
Photo Gallery | 1943 - 2024
Memory Wall
When I was a kid and my friends were talking about all of the fancy exotic cars we wanted from the posters at the school book fair, the standard Ferrari and Lamborghini was always on the list, but one of mine was driven by my Uncle Bill. In the eyes of an 8 year old, a big wood paneled station wagon was the ride to have.
At our grandparents house, if you weren’t playing in the yard or swimming in pool, you were either in the basement or watching tv in the den. Until Uncle Bill walked in and that tv was no longer the kids, but Uncle Bill. You would always expect some remark and you couldn’t tell if he was serious or not, but then he would let out this loud little giggle and you were just happy he was there.
I remember one time I stayed over at his house. Was one of the first times I had slept away from my own home. I was scared and nervous, but Uncle Bill’s train set took that away.
He was a great man and a wonderful uncle and role model for anyone he was around. He cared deeply about his family and raised some amazing boys.
There are some sounds you have heard a million times but can’t remember what they sounded like, but I can still hear the giggle belonging to Uncle Bill. He has been missed and will continue to be missed.
The day after he passed, I like to think this photo shows that he had stopped by my house to let us know he loves us and is going to be ok.
Thank you Uncle Bill for being you. You were loved and will be truly missed.
Love Andrew.
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body (Philippians 3:20-21)
I remember looking out my bedroom window when I was 8 trying to sneak a peek at his graduation party. I loved seeing all the girls in pretty dresses. There were the times we went to see Bill at family weekends at Fort Dix. The beautiful PJ’s he sent my sister and I from Thailand. The times he took me and my friends to Jones Beach and the Rath Park pool. The 3rd degree he always gave my boyfriends.(luckily my husband passed the test). Bill was great with my boys when they were young. Out of nowhere he would take them to carvel or just surprise then and drop it off at our home. The times he dressed up as Santa. The memories could go on and on. In Bill’s final years we spoke daily sometimes twice a day. We talked about our kids and what they were all doing. Bill was there for me this past year with Andrew’s illness. He was constantly checking on him and me. He was very proud of his sons but especially proud of his grandchildren. He loved them all so much. I still start to reach for the phone to call you Bill and then I remember. I miss you so much but I am so thankful you were my Big Brother. Miss and love you always Bill.
Your sister Kathy
I was just sharing a favorite memory with Aunt Deborah the other day. I was young, and we went shopping at Lord & Taylor, where I saw this beautiful white lace and pink dress. As a little girl, it was a dream dress. Well, Uncle Bill and Aunt Deborah surprised me with it for Easter. It was so special to me that, even though I'm about to turn 50, I can still see that dress clearly in my mind.
I will always cherish our talks, your advice, the laughter we shared, and the stories you told. I promise not to tell everyone all the obnoxious stuff you said that made us laugh so hard, lol. To some people, you may have seemed tough, but I was blessed to see your soft side. When my mom was ill, you called and checked on me so often, making me laugh. After she passed away, you continued to be there for me. The memories of our time together will remain a treasure I carry with me forever in my heart.
Love,
Your favorite niece!
"But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children."
Inspired by my Uncle Brent's message, this passage emphasizes God's enduring love and righteousness for those who live in reverence to him, and the blessings that extend to their descendants. It's a reminder of the lasting impact of a relationship with God across generations.
Grandpa- You were more than a wonderful grandfather-you were a friend. I'll always cherish our laughter, the stories we shared, the meals, and simply enjoying each other's company. You were there for me in so many ways, especially in recent years, listening and offering guidance as I started my career, sharing your own experiences from the workforce. I'm so grateful for your support and thoughtfulness, but most of all, I'll miss your sense of humor and all the jokes that made every moment brighter. I love you, Grandpa.
Trew
Photos: May 2021, November 2022, & August 2023
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Love you, Dad!
Photos: with Dad when I was 1yr old in PJs (1970); Will's wedding in 2016 - my brother Brent, my son Jyotin, brother Randy, & Dad; Christmastime 2019 Summerville, SC; on the couch with Dad, Mom, 'Big Grandma Testa (1972); Mom, Dad, & me as a baby Christmas (1970); Hayes boys with Dad at Will's wedding (2016); my daughter Trew, her boyfriend Max, and Dad (2022); me with Dad in Summerville, SC (2023)
Family Tree
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