Obituary of John W. Hayes

John W. Hayes, 57 of 3521 4-H Camp Road, McGraw, NY passed away on Friday, April 15, 2011 unexpectedly at the Cortland Regional Hospital. He was born February 27, 1954 in Cortland, NY the son of the late Herbert G and Marie (Smith) Hayes. John graduated from McGraw High School in 1973. He served in the U.S. Army 82 nd Airborne Division from 1979 to 1982. He married the former Connie L. Strauf on July 20, 1985. He was employed for many years as an automobile mechanic at several different dealerships becoming self-employed in 2005. His family was his passion - a devoted brother, husband, father and Grampie. He loved watching his Soccer Champ (Chelsea) and working with his grandson Hunter. He loved camping, spending time with his family and friends and was an avid NASCAR fan-favorite memory- Richmond 2004 with his oldest daughter (Holli). He loved life and his country. John is survived by his loving wife Connie (Strauf) Hayes of 26 years, his daughters Holli and Chelsea Hayes, his grandson Hunter Downes, and his brothers and sisters, William (Vicky) Hayes, Kenneth Hayes, Beverly Smith, Betty (Wilfred) Quail, Elsie Todd, Pearl McKane, Chester Hayes, George (Donna) Hayes, Rita (Fred) Truax, Richard (Kathie) Barnhart, and Regina (Bob) Foster. Also survived by a father in-law Lewis Strauf Sr., sister in-laws Sandi Strauf, Cindy (Phil) Bacheller, and brother in-law Lewis Strauf Jr. He is predeceased by mother and father Herbert G and Marie (Smith) Hayes, Brother Randall Barnhart, and mother in-law Lenora (Little) Strauf. several nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Wed at 1 pm at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home 9 Lincoln Ave. with the Reverend Allan J. Ferguson officating. Interment will follow in McGraw Cemetery. Friends are invited to call Tuesday evening from 5 -8 pm at the funeral home In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in John's name may be directed to McGraw Lions Club PO Box 6 McGraw NY 13101 Attn. Richard Barnhart. To offer on line condolences visit www.wright-beard.com Connie, I would like to extend my condolences to you and your family. It was heartbreaking to hear about your loss. I know you are hurting very much right now, but time will heal your wounds.. Take care.. Regina Rafalko My families thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. It was very heart breaking to hear of John's accident. We will keep you in our prayers. Our heartful thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Jane Deitz and family Connie and Family, We are so very Sorry to learn the news of Johns Death!! Please know that we are thinking of all of you at this time and praying that you will all be well!!! There are no words at this time to make your pain go away, only time and memories can do that, although it never truly goes completely away...Love From: Mike and Val To Connie and Family We are so sorry to hear about your loss. He surely will be missed by family and friends John was the kindest person ever. The Mulcahy's We are so sorry about your loss.I know we don't know each other but Regina Rita Dana, and Rich are my bothers and sisters.I did know John he was a good man.Again we are real sorry. Skip and Roxanne Barnhart My heart and prayers go out to John's family for their loss. John was a good man and loved his family dearly. I enjoyed the times that we talked at the Empire after he got done at the race track. This unforunate accident took him away but he will never be forgotten. RIP John. Cindy Macomber Connie ,My Condolences to you and your Family at this sad time My Thoughts are with you Gerry Meechan So Sorry to hear about John. I went to school with him and haven't seen him since one of the reunions. He was a great guy in school, and am sure he still was. Again, so very sorry. Deborah Davenport Our thoughts of comfort and prayers extend to the entire family. Deb, Caroline and Maddy To John's Family, With our greatest sympathy for your loss. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. From your long time friends Bruce and Ginny Neff and their family. Connie, Holly, Chelsea & family, We are praying for you, and know that God will take care of you. Connie & family .... I am So Sorry for your loss ... words cannot begin to convey ... May Gods peace be with you and yours in this difficult time ... Gloria Hart Connie, I am so sorry to hear about your husband's unexpected death. Please know that you & your family are in my thoughts & prayers. Maureen our hearts are with you on this day. sorry to here of your loss, thoughts and prayers are with you hollie Merchants Dear George, Kenny, Heather, Herbie and the rest of the Hayes Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We offer our deepest sympathy for your sudden loss of John. Dennis and Pat Rew connie,we are so sorry about your loss, JOHN WAS A GOOD PERSON AND I KNOW WE WILL ALL MISS HIM. WE WILL BE SAYING A PRAYER FOR YOUS AND WE DO LOVE YOUS BOTH;if there is anything we can do let use know with love ted and sharon strauf. We are always here for you Connie,Holli,Chelsea and Hunter. We love you. God is with us and will help us through this sad time. vicky & wilbur hayes ): MY deepest sympathy to you and your family. I enjoyed working with John.He was a friendly and compassionate guy who was always willing to help. Mike Vasick