Obituary of John A. Hayes
John A. Hayes Sr., 56, of the Huntington section of Shelton, Owner of Custom Upholstery, died Friday, August 20, 2004 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. John died peacefully at his home with his loving family and friends at his side.
John was born on April 25, 1948 son of the late Arthur Hayes Sr. and Helen (Franzo) Hayes. He was raised in Bridgeport and proudly served in the U. S. Navy abroad the USS Putnam.
On May 30, 1970 John married his beloved wife Sharon (Timpanelli) Hayes. Together they built a warm loving home that included many friends as well as their two sons, John and Keith. John was a devoted family man who gave his all to those he loved and he will be deeply missed by all.
In 1972 John started a small company called Kitchen Workshop. Through hard work and the help of his wife Sharon (and later his sons) he grew the business expanding to the present site in Fairfield known as Custom Upholstery. John took great pride in his work and it showed in the quality of his products and the service he provided to his customers.
Prior to his illness, John was a member of The Stratford Athletic Club and an avid runner, cyclist and scuba diver. He ran numerous marathons, several biathlons and too many bike races to mention. His love of running and biking was matched only by his devotion to his family, friends and his dog Sammy.
A true friend to all, John had many loyal and devoted friends. He had the rare ability to bring out the best in everyone and was always the first to offer an encouraging word or helping hand. John truly touched the hearts of everyone he befriended and the impression he left will never be forgotten.
The strength of character John showed throughout his life and especially during his illness was an inspiration to us all. Throughout his illness, Johns friends showed their love for him unconditionally, especially his best friend Joe Mingolello.
John will be remembered best for his kind loving heart, his rare ability to see the positive in everyone and his special way of bringing out the best in us all.
John will be sadly missed by his best friend and wife of 34 years Sharon (Timpanelli) Hayes; two loving sons John Hayes Jr. of Shelton, and his wife Chris Ann and Keith Hayes of Milford and his companion Sharon Hart; his favorite sister-in-law Joann Timpanelli; his brother Arthur Hayes Jr. of Florida and his wife; his three sisters, Pamela Buskey of Milford, Patricia Maniscalco of Milford and Peggy Herde of Bridgeport; and several nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his in-laws Rose and Steven Toth.
Friends may greet the family on Monday , August 23, 2004 from 5-8 pm during a memorial gathering at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull . Friends are invited to meet directly at 10 AM in St. Lawrence Church, 505 Shelton Avenue, Huntington, on Tuesday August, 24, 2004 for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment with military honors will follow in Lawn Cemetery, Huntington.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to The Brain Tumor Trauma Center at Duke University, 047 Baker House-Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710.