William Hayden

On May 19, 2015, William Hayden, 92, of Zephyrhills, FL, formerly of Easton, CT, went home peacefully in his sleep to join the Lord. William (Bill) Hayden was born in Bridgeport, CT on September 29, 1922 to Benjamin and Sophie (Szabo) Haydu. He is preceded in death by his wife of 47 years Margaret Irene (Thomas) Hayden. Bill is survived by Lois "Susie" Hurd Hayden, whom he wed on August 19, 1995, his sister Irene (Ernest) Cook, his three loving children and their spouses: Mark W. (Deborah) Hayden of Monroe, CT; Lynn M. (John) Woods of Tallahassee, FL; and Lisa D. (Foster) Chapman of Lock Haven, PA. In addition he is survived by four adoring grandchildren: Christopher (Amy) Hayden, Jamie Hayden, Laura (Jeffrey) Roberts, and Michael (Heidi) Bird, along with seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Included in his extended family Bill is survived by his step children Norman (Lynn) Nagy of Newtown, CT; Susan (Paul) Heckert of Cullowhee, NC; Edward (Becky) Nagy of Southbury, CT; and Marion (Scott) Osborne of Monroe, CT, ten step grandchildren and 1 great- step grandchild. Bill served in World War II in Dunkeswell, England as Petty Officer First Class with the U.S. Navy Air Force Fleet Air Wing 7. Bill attended New York University and worked as a Mechanical Engineer and in managerial positions at Chance Vought, Schick Safety Razor, Wilkerson Swords and Winchester Electronics. Bill went on to start his own companies: Hayden Associates, an engineering consulting firm; Technical Design and Development Company; and Hayden Technologies/Advanced Automation Systems that he ran with his son Mark. Even with all of Bill’s professional and family commitments he was strong in his faith and served as a former Deacon at Easton Congregational Church. Upon retiring in 1992, Bill moved to Florida and cared for his wife Margaret who died in 1994. Being a man who never stopped learning, he became a Florida Realtor in 1995. He enjoyed traveling in the United States and internationally, and as an avid tennis and golf player won many local tournaments. His greatest interest of all was aviation. Bill graduated from Manhattan High School of Aviation Trades, and while attending there worked at Historic Floyd Bennett Field on many famous aviators airplanes. In the early 1980s, Bill completed ground and flight school, but had to put off his FAA exam and Flight test due to family commitments. He continued his love of aviation by building and flying model R/C airplanes with his step grandson Christopher Osborne. In his later years, he shared this passion with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren by attending with them air shows, air museums and visiting local airports. Bill will be remembered for his many professional accomplishments, but mostly for his personal accomplishments. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who adored and cherished his family. He was a great mentor to his children leading his family with a strong, compassionate and loving hand. He was a loyal friend with many friendships that spanned decades. He had great smiling eyes, a mischievous sense of humor, quick wit, strong faith and morals, a wealth of knowledge, determination and an unwavering sense of commitment. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Services for Bill will be held on Sunday, May 31, 2015 at 10:30 am at the Graveside in the Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park, 2860 Sunset Point Road, Clearwater, FL. A Memorial Service will be following at 1:00 pm at Driftwood Condos, Cottonwood Place, Zephyrhills, FL. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to HPH Hospice, 37445 Clinton Avenue, Dade City, FL 33525.