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John Gordon Hayes

  Mr. John Gordon Hayes, 83, formerly of Watertown, Conn., passed away peacefully on Sept. 8, 2012, at his home in Sonoma, surrounded by family and close friends. He was the widower of Gloria De Angelis Hayes.

  John was born on Aug. 26, 1929, in Torrington, Conn. He was the son of the late Dennis P. and Margaret (Mahoney) Hayes.

  Mr. Hayes earned his degree at St. Bonaventure University, his masters in education at Hartford University, and studied under NDEA grants at the University of Connecticut and the University of Alabama.

  In 1989, John retired as director of corporate and community affairs at Mattatuck Community College, after 22 years with the college. He was instrumental in his efforts to help open the college in 1967.

  At the college, Hayes chaired and served on many committees including Student Services Committee, the Promotion Committee, the Gold Ribbon Committee and the Academic Standing Committee.

  Mr. Hayes held many terms with a seat on Watertown’s Town Council and was instrumental in contributing to both the town’s education and planning commissions.

  He was very involved in every aspect of youth athletics in the community and was presented in 1990 with the prestigious Gold Circle Sports Award for his lifetime contribution and participation in youth athletics in Watertown. He was a respected sports official and was a member of several Connecticut athletic officials associations and committees.

  John is survived by his son, John D. Hayes, of Sharon, Conn.; his daughters, Edna Needleman, of Sonoma, Virginia M. Hayes, of Corte Madera; his son-in-law, Bruce Needleman, of Sonoma; and his grandson, Kelly-Patrick Needleman, of Sonoma. He was predeceased by his wife, Gloria De Angelis Hayes; his son, Kelly Patrick Hayes; brother, Dennis Hayes; sisters, Rita Derby and Katherine Dranginis.

  John’s last six years were spent in Sonoma surrounded by his loving family and creating invaluable friendships. His favorite times were about attending his grandsons sporting events. He was even awarded Fan of the Year by the Sonoma Little League Association. He was embraced by the Sonoma community and valued the strong friendships he made. He will surely be missed by all on both coasts.

  The funeral will be held in John’s hometown of Watertown, Conn., Hickcox Funeral Home, Mass at St. Johns Church.