Joseph D. Hayes Jr.

Rye Beach- Joseph D. Hayes, Jr., of Rye Beach, NH, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away on February 3, 2026, at 100 years of age. He was predeceased by his first wife, Ruth Secord, their son Joseph D. Hayes 3rd, and son-in-law Jack Zorski. He is survived by his wife Sarah Tolson Hayes (Sally), two children Michael Hayes of Phnom Penh, Cambodia and Elizabeth Zorski of East Falmouth, MA; 3 stepchildren, Richard Stram and wife Beth of Stowe, Vt., Donna Stram and husband Chris McClure of Dunstable, MA, and Diana Stram and husband Mark Anderson of Girdwood, Alaska. His grandchildren were the light of his life - Jake Zorski and wife Natasha; Taylor Zorski, wife Kyle, and their son Arlo; Sarah Stram, Jack Branch, Ellie Stram, Clara Stram, Jackson Stram, and Kéa Anderson. He loved them all. Joe went through the Newton, MA school system before attending Kimball Union Academy. After graduation he enrolled at Dartmouth College with the Class of 1947 where he was part of the US Marine V-12 program. He was the quarterback of the 1944 football team that had the adventure of playing against Notre Dame in Fenway Park. At war’s end, he was at Camp Pendleton as a Marine 2nd Lt. preparing for the invasion of Japan, when news came that the atomic bombs had been dropped and Japan had surrendered. Joe subsequently entered the Wool business and in 1958 started his own company. His travels took him all over the world. After 40 years, he retired as President and Treasurer. Joe remained very active in sports and travel. He played tennis, golf, bridge, skied, and when badminton was played at the University Club in Boston, he was always in the fray. Joe and Sally enjoyed winters on the island of Anguilla in the British West Indies, and summers sailing the New England coast in their 38-foot sloop. He was involved in many '47 Dartmouth class and reunion activities and served as class president and class alumni magazine editor. Joe was a member of the Rye Beach Club and Abenaqui Country Club in Rye Beach, the University Club of Boston, and Commodore of the Menauhant Yacht Club in East Falmouth (1972-1973), Wellesley Country Club, Woods Hole Golf Club, Seacoast Ski Club and many business organizations. He will be laid to rest in the Rye Cemetery in Rye, NH. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rye Library, Rye, NH.

Joseph D. Hayes Jr.

February 5, 1925 - February 3, 2026