Ed was born in Newark, NJ and raised in Maplewood, NJ. He graduated from Columbia High School in South Orange. Ed worked as an Assistant Road Foreman for the Hampton Township Road Department from 1987 to 2014. In retirement, he remained active in the Hampton Twp. Community serving as the Right to Know Officer, the Emergency Management Coordinator, and the Safety Officer; he was also a member of the Board of Health.
Big Ed was heavily involved with the Boy Scouts of America where he was a Scout Leader for Troop 96 in Hampton Township for many years. He was an enthusiastic outdoorsman who enjoyed camping and teaching others about nature and wildlife. Ed was an avid angler and hunter, and he loved the ocean. He adored cooking and ran “Big Ed’s Backyard BBQ” with his son. Ed enjoyed building things and spending time with his family.
Ed was predeceased by his parents, Charles L. and Sabina (Florczak) Hayes; his brother, Charles R. Hayes; and his parents-in-law, Sylvia and Philip Kravis. He is survived by his beloved wife, Fern Hayes; his son, Eric Hayes; his daughter, Ashley Hayes and husband, James Dinkins Jr.; his grandchildren, Aiden Hayes, Avery Dinkins and Jacob Dinkins; and his sisters-in-law, Ellen Tomori and husband, Pat, and Mona Novak and husband, Mark.
Visitation will be held from 4 pm to 8 pm on Friday June 14, 2024, at Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High St, Newton, NJ, with Funeral Services beginning at 8 pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Edward’s memory to the Hampton Township Fire & Rescue, PO Box 646, Augusta, NJ 07822. Online condolences may be offered below.
