Brockton - Richard E. Hayward, 81, formerly of East Bridgewater, died Thursday at his home in Brockton after a brief illness. He was the husband of the late Ruth (Dart) Hayward.
Born in Brockton, a son of the late Harry and Helen (Staples) Hayward, he was a graduate of Brockton High School.
Mr. Hayward was a World War II U.S. Army veteran.
Retiring after 48 years as an optician, he was self-employed and also worked for Howard & Cramer Optician Co.
Mr. Hayward was a resident in East Bridgewater for 26 years and in Brockton for many years.
He is survived by a son, Dwight Hayward of East Bridgewater and is also survived by three additional sons and four daughters; a brother, Parker Hayward of Wareham; two sisters, Evelyn Hayward of Arizona and Arlene Folocie; 21 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was brother to the late Alice Smith, Beverly Allen, Helen Hayward, Mabel Fisher, Harry Hayward Jr. and Arthur Hayward.
A graveside was held on Friday in Pine Hill Cemetery, West Bridgewater.Arrangements by The Prophett Funeral Home, Bridgewater.