Michael F. Hayes Sr.

Michael F. Hayes Sr., a native of Waterford County, Ireland (Ring) and a long time Yonkers resident died on Wednesday, November 28, in hospice care at St John’s Riverside Hospital at the age of 90. He was a loving husband to his wife Evelyn for 68 years and a devoted father to Kathleen and Michael Jr and a loving father in law to Marion. He is also survived by his nephew Meurice and his wife Geraldine who live in Waterford, Ireland on the land where he grew up. He was a loving uncle to many in the King, Hayes and Roche family as well.

He grew up on a farm in Ireland and was orphaned by the age of 4. His sister Mary and his uncle and Grandmother raised him on the farm until he emigrated to the United States with help from his uncle’s wife. By the time he arrived in New York, his sponsor had died and he lived with his uncle until his uncle’s remarriage, working odd jobs. He became a U.S. Citizen in on July 29, 1954. He was ineligible to be drafted because of a touch of rheumatism and it likely saved his life. Many of those who went to the recruiting station with him did not return home from Korea.

He met the former Evelyn King at a church dance and they married on August 19, 1950 at St. Joseph’s Church in Yonkers. Kathleen became their first child in 1954. He doted on his darling girl all his life. After two miscarriages, Michael followed Kathleen in 1970 and Dad was his constant companion. They spent weekends camping with the Boy Scouts, at various church events with the Knights of the Altar Society at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, and at Mike’s baseball games. When Mike went to college at Fordham, dad would come down and spend a grand Saturday afternoon sitting around the dorm with Mike and his college friends and never came empty handed.

Mr. Hayes worked for the Yonkers Board of Education for over 30 years, primarily as a chief custodian in P.S. 25 where he was a beloved figure to all he met in the school. He was an expert trainer of the custodial staff where he was revered as a great boss. He worked as well in Yonkers High School, & P.S. 18 before being assigned to School 25 as chief. He was a great friend to the members of Fire Engine #8, which was located next to P.S. 25 and was made an Honorary Member of the Engine company upon his retirement, an honor he truly treasured.

Previous to this Mr. Hayes worked as a railroad worker and an elevator operator in the First National Bank.

Mr. Hayes retired from the Board of Education in 1990 and cared for his wife, Evelyn for the remainder of his life. He loved Irish music, boxing, the Mets and Fordham University’s Radio Station WFUV, especially their Irish program. He was an avid stamp collector and had a vast interest and knowledge of the Space Program at NASA.

While he lived a long life of 90 plus years, none of us who loved him ever want to let him go. We are grateful to the hospice program at St John’s for giving him a peaceful death.

A visitation for Michael will be held Friday, November 30, 2018 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM to 9:00 at Whalen & Ball.

A Mass of Christian Burial will occur Saturday, December 1, 2018 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Ann's RCC, 854 Midland Ave, Yonkers, NY 10704.

An interment will occur Saturday, December 1, 2018 from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at St Joseph's Cemetery, 209 Truman Ave, Yonkers, NY 10703. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whalenandballfh.com for the Hayes family.