Richard M. "Chick" Hayden

Rye - Richard Michael Hayden, affectionately known as Chick, passed away peacefully at his home in Rye, New Hampshire on Saturday July 5, 2025. He lived a life dedicated to family and providing loving service to others. Chick was the devoted husband of Carol, his wife of 42 years, who was his constant companion and provider of loving care throughout their marriage, particularly at the end. Chick was born on September 9, 1935, in Duluth, Minnesota, the third son of three, to Ella and Raymond Hayden. He was graduated from St. Johns University in Collegeville, Minnesota with a degree in English. He was immediately hired by IBM, where he worked for nearly 40 years, building a remarkably successful career before retiring as Director of Industry Relations. Even in retirement, Chick continued his interest in public service, particularly with Cross Roads House, where he served a term as president of the organization. Chick was father to 8 children with his first wife Jane Alma Hofmann. Although they later divorced, they remained lifelong friends until her death. Chick found love again, and in 1983 married Caroline Poor Cilley with whom he shared a rich, loving, and devoted marriage over the next 42 years. Even with a full house, Chick and Carol's door was always open to family and friends needing a place to call home. The couple moved from Connecticut to Rye, NH in 1996, settling in an historic 1735 farmhouse with an attached barn that they turned into a hub for family get togethers for their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. There were few people who came within the broad circle of Chick’s kindness and generosity whose lives he didn’t touch, leaving them better for having known him. He liked people and people liked him. More than his ever-present dry wit, booming laugh, and open spirit, he took genuine interest others – quick to give support and always, always a helping hand. Having endured his own hardships, he was ever sensitive to the trials of others, providing wisdom, compassion, and love (both soft and tough) in whatever measures needed. He was an example to all of us of what it meant to be a father, husband, grandfather, friend, a good man and a decent, caring human being. As his loving wife Carol has said, “we learned so much from him.” Remembering Chick are loved ones who shared their lives with him including his children Kristin Ann Hayden, Kimberly Hayden, Mary Kirsten Hayden (died 2003), William Hayden, Michael Hayden, Patrick Hayden, Anthony Hayden, and Kathleen Hayden; his step-children Caroline Sumrall, Charles Cilley, and Doug Cilley; 22 grandchildren and 8 grand-grandchildren. Chick will be laid to rest privately at Rye Cemetery. A Celebration of Life for Chick life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donation in Chick’s name be made to the Cross Roads House of Portsmouth, NH by clicking here.

Richard M. "Chick" Hayden

September 9, 1935 - July 5, 2025