Whitman - Joseph Vincent Hayes 72, a lifelong resident of Whitman, died Saturday July 12 surrounded by his loving family after a brave battle with cancer. He was the beloved husband of 52 years to Ruth C. (Monaghan) Hayes.
Born in Brockton and raised in Whitman he was the son of the late Charles J. and Helen (Morton) Hayes and a graduate of Whitman High School, Class of 1959.
Joe had furthered his education graduating from Bentley College, School of Business and retiring after 39 years as an accountant for John Hancock.
As a lifelong resident of Whitman, Joe had been a familiar face coaching youth basketball and baseball for many years and after his retirement he had coached football and baseball for Cardinal Spellman High School of Brockton.
He was an avid reader and enjoyed hunting, fishing and horseracing. He loved to cook and took great pride in the work he did in his yard and gardens. He truly loved the ocean but his greatest joy came from the time spent with his children and grandchildren.
In addition to his wife Ruth he is survived by his children Michael Hayes and his wife Germaine of New Market, NH, Joelle VonGeorge and her husband Rick of Elizabeth City, NC, Janine Kaplinger of East Bridgewater and his sister Helen “Snooky” Hayes of Whitman. He is also survived by his grandchildren, whom he adored, Margaret Hayes of New Market, NH, Thomas VonGeorge of Steubenville, OH, Corporal Joseph VonGeorge and his wife Lindsey of Temecula, CA and Joshua, Jessica and Dylan Kaplinger all of East Bridgewater.
His services will be held Thursday July 17 at 8:15 AM from the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman, followed by a funeral mass at 9 AM in the Holy Ghost Church, Whitman. Burial will follow the St. Patrick Cemetery, Rockland. Visiting hours will be held Wednesday July 16 from 4-8 PM.
Donations in his name may be made to Hope Hospice, 1324 Belmont Street, Brockton, MA 02301.