Richard W. Hayes

Constableville- Richard W. Hayes, 65, husband of Barbara and a lifelong resident of the Mohawk Hill and Constableville areas, passed away at his home on December 25, 2024, from pancreatic cancer. He was under the care of his loving family and Hospice. 

 Richard was born on November 11, 1959, the son of Barbara Carpenter Hayes and Harold Hayes. He grew up on the family farm on Mohawk Hill and graduated from South Lewis Central School and from BOCES, where he majored in carpentry, with the Class of 1978. 

 He began his working career, part-time with his brother-in-law, David Ward at Ward Electric Co., and also at the Town of West Turin. In 1980, Richard began full time employment with the Town of West Turin Highway Department, retiring in 2017. After retirement he founded his carpentry business, “Richard W. Hayes Construction.” Richard was a gifted and talented carpenter, and he operated his carpentry company with ingenuity and precision. Richard will be fondly remembered for his beautiful soul. He possessed a strong work ethic and would drop everything to help someone in need. 

 On June 30, 1984, Richard was married to Barbara Ward, at St. Mary’s Church, Constableville. This loving union became a marriage which recently celebrated forty years. 

 He was predeceased by his parents, Barbara, in 1997 and Harold, in 2008; brother in law, Mark Metott, 2020 and sister in law, Mary (Ward) Kellogg, 2021. 

 Richard is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; daughters, Rebecca (Becky) (Shawn) Keefer, Croghan, Patricia Hayes (Caleb), Nashville, TN and Heather Hayes, CT; a beautiful granddaughter, Riley; sisters, Julie Hayes (Bill) Glendale, WI, Peggy Kirk, Constableville, Mary (Jim) Wiedmer, Boonville; brother, Ed Hayes, Constableville and many in laws, nieces and nephews. 

 Richard attended St. Mary’s Church, Constableville and was a 32-year member of the Constableville Fire Department. 

 He greatly enjoyed spending time with his family and granddaughter, Riley, camping at Cold Brook Campsite in the summer and reveling from the companionship of their canine friend, Jasmine. He also enjoyed bowling, hunting, cutting wood and playing cards. Richard took pride in his community by building and maintaining the ice at the Constableville Skating Rink. 

 In 2023, a fundraiser was held when Richard was diagnosed with cancer. He and his family were amazed and so thankful for the love and generosity from so many family, friends and strangers. 

 A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Daniel Chapin, at St. Mary’s Church, Constableville, on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. Calling hours are Monday, from 2-6 P.M. at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville. Following the Mass, all are invited to attend a luncheon and celebration of Richard’s life, at The Constableville Fire Department Hall, where contributions of food will be accepted on Tuesday, from 9:00 A.M. on, at THE FIREHALL. Memorial contributions may be made to Constableville Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 438, Constableville, NY 13325, or to Friends of Lewis County Hospice, P.O. Box 266, Lowville, NY 13367.