Fr. Charles V. Hayes, OFM, 88 years of age, a professed Franciscan Friar for 63 years and a priest for 59 years, died on Thursday evening, December 22, 2005, at Holy Name Friary, Ringwood, NJ.
Father Charles was born on October 23,1917, in Great Barrington, MA, to William and Helen (nec Knight) Hayes. He was baptized John on November 11 in St. Peter Church. He attended St. Charles Parochial School (1922-1930), St. Joseph Central High School, Pittsfield, MA (1930-1934) and Providence College (B.A. in Education, 1936-1940).
On August 12,1941, Charles was received into the Franciscan Order at St. Bonaventure’s in Paterson, NJ, by the Provincial, Fr. Jerome Dawson, OFM, and made first vows there on August 13,1942, before Fr. Mathias Faust, OFM. His theological studies were done at St. Bonaventure College (M.A., Franciscan Education), Allcgany, NY, and Holy Name College in Washington, where he made final vows on September 17,1945, before the subsequent Provincial, Fr. Bertrand Campbell, OFM. All his sacred orders were conferred at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, including priesthood on June 9,1946, by Archbishop (later Cardinal) Amleto Cicognani, the Apostolic Delegate.
Father Charles’ first assignment was as instructor, then assistant professor/assistant director of athletics, at Siena College, Loudonville, NY (1946-63); associate at Our Lady’s Chapel, New Bedford, MA (1963-1964); missionary while residing at Holy Cross Friary, Bronx, NY (1964-1973); Mission Band while residing at Siena College, Loudonville (1973-1981); Mission Band while residing at St. Anthony Friary, Butler, NJ (1981-October 11, 2005); transferred the next day to Holy Name Friary,
Fr. John Kull, OFM, led the Wake Service which was held on Tuesday, December 27 at St. Anthony Church in Butler, NJ. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, December 28 at 10:30 a.m., at St. Anthony Church, Butler, NJ. Provincial Minister John O’Connor, OFM, was the principal celebrant, and Fr. Jeremiah McGinley, OFM, preached the homily. Interment took place at the friars’ plot, Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Butler.
Father Charles is survived by his sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Tetreault, to whom condolences may be addressed at 138 Woodside Street, Putnam, CT 06260.
May he rest in peace.