Richard D. Hayes, 89, of Lake Wales, Florida, passed away on March 28th, 2020 at the Good Shepherd Hospice, in Lakeland, FL.

Richard was born on July 19th, 1930, son of George B. and Emily F. Hayes. He grew up in Middletown, NY, was an Eagle Scout and graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a degree in Engineering in 1952. He married Phyllis Robertson June 15, 1952 in Albany, NY. The couple resided in Marietta PA, Elsmere, NY, Hamburg, NY, Waldwick, NJ, and Clifton Park, NY. They built a summer home at Brantingham Lake and spent summers there from 1963 to 1984 where they eventually retired, dividing their time between Brantingham Lake and Pine Island FL.

Richard served in R.O.T.C and the US Army Transportation Corps. Material Command HQ as a 1st Lt. from 1952-1954. He worked for New York Telephone Company, retiring in 1985 as District Manager, Comptrollers Department. His hobbies included, sailing, restoring wooden boats, and home improvements. Dick served the Brantingham Community Association as Treasurer from 1973 through 1978. He was a Director of the Association from 1991 through 1994 and was Chairman of the Lake Management Committee from 1989 through 1994.

Richard was predeceased by his wife, Phyllis who died January 2, 1993. Richard married Geraldine Bates on October 6th, 1995 in Glenfield, NY. They resided in Brantingham Lake, NY, Bonita Springs, FL, Tavares FL, and Lake Wales, FL.

Survivors include his wife, Geraldine "Jerry" Hayes; four children; Stephen Hayes of Conastota, NY, James Hayes of Pleasant Valley, NY, Barbara Greaney of Leesburg, FL and Lynne Priester of Mertztown, PA; six grandchildren, Michael Hayes of Liverpool NY, Nicholas Hayes of Bridgeport NY, Samantha Priester of Bellevue, WA, Molly Priester of New York, NY, Tristan Hayes of Pleasant Valley, NY and Nicole Hayes of Pleasant Valley NY; two great-grandchildren, Ryker Hayes and Lennyn Hayes of Bridgeport, NY.

He was predeceased by his Brother, Robert M. Hayes of Middletown, NY and his first wife, Phyllis R Hayes.

A graveside service with military honors will be on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at Brantingham Cemetery with Rev. Jude Nnadibuagha, Deacon officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to the Good Shepherd Hospice, Lakeland FL, Boy Scouts of America or any charity of your choice.