Edward S. Hayes, Jr.

Holden/Rutland/Worcester - Edward S. Hayes, Jr., 93, beloved husband of the late Barbara (Rugg) Hayes, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

Born and raised in Worcester, Ed was the son of the late Edward and Helen (Armstrong) Hayes and lived most of his life in Holden and Rutland. He graduated from Classical High School in 1949 and attended the military college, Norwich University in Northfield, VT graduating in 1953. As a Second Lieutenant he proudly served his country in the United States Army first attending the basic officer’s course at the infantry school at Fort Benning, Georgia and was then assigned to serve as a rifle platoon leader in January 1954 in Bamberg, Germany where he soon achieved the rank of First Lieutenant in the 1st Division, the Big Red 1.

Ed returned home in 1955 and married his high school sweetheart Barbara. After living for 20 years in Holden, Barbara and Ed built their “dream house” on a hill in Rutland where they shared over 40 joyful years. He spent over three decades at the family business, the Worcester Foundry Company, serving as Treasurer and then President.

Ed had a deep appreciation for nature and took great pleasure in hiking and observing the wildlife that wandered through the fields surrounding their home. He was a lifelong history enthusiast and he had a fondness for antique cars. Known for his storytelling and upbeat attitude, Ed often declared, “I have young ideas”. And he did for over 93 years.

He will be lovingly remembered by his two children, Edward S. Hayes III of Glendale, AZ, and Elizabeth Hayes Fitzsimons and her husband, John, of Hingham; his cherished granddaughter, Caitlin Fitzsimons and her husband, Nicholas LoCastro, of Montclair, NJ; and his two great-grandsons, Clark and Carl. In addition to his parents and his wife of 62 years, Barbara, he was predeceased by his brother, Brigadier General Thomas H. Hayes. He also leaves a niece and several nephews.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Wednesday, October 22, from 9 to 10 a.m. at St. Columba Church, 10 Richards Avenue, Paxton. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 in the church. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.  Arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Norwich University Army ROTC at giving.norwich.edu or Norwich University, 158 Harmon Dr., Northfield, VT 05663.