HAYES, SAMUEL RICHARD

HAYES,
SAMUEL RICHARD
Samuel Richard Hayes, age 99 of Avalon, NJ died on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Sam was the 7th of 11 children born to John & Grace [Coldwell] Hayes, owners of a dairy farm in central Pennsylvania. Sam also lived and traveled with his beloved aunt and uncle, Muriel & Bill Dickson.
Sam graduated from Clairton HS, Carnegie Mellon University, Navy Officers Candidate School, Navy Russian Language School, and Georgetown University. During college in Pittsburgh, PA, he worked in the Chemistry Department at Carnegie Mellon, the Emergency Room in Allegheny General Hospital, drove taxi for Yellow Cab, and was resident volunteer for 4 years for the Home for Crippled Children.
Sam served 7 years in the U.S. Navy, spending 3 years as Electrical Division Officer aboard the heavy cruiser USS Salem, one year in Navy Russian language school, then 3 years as a Russian translator for the Office of Naval Intelligence.
While in the Navy, Sam married his wife of 65 years, Margaret Pelissero. Sam worked 10 years as a Senior Engineer on Defense contracts with HRB Singer in State College, PA, then worked for over 25 years with Lubrication Engineers, Inc. after which Sam and Marg retired to Avalon, NJ in 1990.
While retired, Sam drove local school buses for 7 years and worked in real-estate property management 12 years. Sam served as head usher of Avalon's Methodist Church since 2002, was a charter member of the Avalon Lions Club, and was active with the Avalon Senior Citizens Organization, the Avalon HOLA, and the local Military Officers of America Association. He served his community as a member of the Avalon Voluntary Fire Department since 2005 until his retirement at age 97. Sam was a generous supporter of many organizations including the alumni associations of Carnegie Mellon, Georgetown and Penn State Universities.
Music played a vital role in Sam's life. He played violin in the Pensacola symphony orchestra at age 15, string bass semi-professionally during college, and trombone with the Little German Band of State College for 25 years. He also played concertina, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, and harmonica for his own enjoyment, but anytime upon request. Sam's wife, Marg predeceased him in 2017 but was his lifetime partner who joined him in musical pursuits. Marg was a renowned coloratura soprano who enjoyed a successful career in opera, as a voice teacher, and soloist with the Little German Band.
Sam is survived by their two daughters, their husbands, 4 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and beloved Chihuahua aptly named Riptide; and by one sister.
Private services will be at Radzieta Funeral Home, CMCH, NJ, with private burial in the Cape May County Veterans Cemetery.
Friends are invited to a remembrance in honor of Samuel R. Hayes at the United Methodist Church in Avalon, NJ at the 10:00 am Sunday Traditional Worship Service to be held on November 24, 2024. A video livestream link will be available on the funeral home website www.radzieta.com.
Memorials in Sam's name may be made to the Wetlands Institute or Friends of the Avalon Volunteer Fire Department.
Condolences at
www.radzieta.com