Richard L. Hayes of Needham died on Thursday, November 15th at the E.N. Rogers, Veterans Administration Hospital in Bedford. He was 86 years old. Born in Salem MA, he was the son of the late Lawrence and Silvia (Stevens) Hayes. Mr. Hayes was a US Navy, World War II veteran. He received the American Theater Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with four stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one star and the World War II Victory Ribbon. Upon his Honorable Discharge from the Navy as a Lieutenant (j.g) in 1945, he continued to serve the Navy Reserves as a teacher for 22 years. Mr. Hayes was an attorney for the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company for 40 years. He retired in 1987. Mr. Hayes was a member of Nehoiden Lodge AF& AM, Aleppo Temple Shrine, The Commandry and Knights of Templar. He was also a longtime member of the Congregational Church of Needham. The beloved husband of Shirley M. (Smith), he was the father of Alan D. Hayes of Boylston and Donald R. Hayes of Prescott Valley, AZ. Brother of Harold Hayes of Louisville, KY. Grandfather of Michelle and Bryan Hayes both of Boylston. A Funeral Service will be held in the Eaton Funeral Home 1351 Highland Ave, Needham on Wednesday November 28 at 1:00 PM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Interment with Military Honors at Needham Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations in Richard’s name may be made to GRECC c/o ENR Veterans memorial Hospital, 200 Springs Rd Bedford MA 01703.