Richard H. (Dick) Hayward Jr, 88, of Preston died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 surrounded by generations of family and love. He was born in Berlin, Maryland on June 11, 1928, to parents, Richard H. Hayward, Sr. and Mabel Bishop Hayward.
In 1945 after graduating from high school he enlisted in the U.S. Navy achieving the rank of Hospital Corpsman First Class. He served in the Navy for 30 years. He was a veteran of World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam.
His military training included Naval Hospital Corps School, Field Medical Service School, Aviation Medical School), Advanced Hospital Corps School, and Staff Non-commission Officers School.
Following his years in the service, Richard worked at Pratt & Whitney, the U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal Identification Division, General Dynamics, and for 21 years with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.
Richard was an avid Boston Red Sox fan, he loved working outside in the yard and in his garden, and his favorite dessert was strawberry shortcake.
He will surely be missed by his family and remembered for his years of support, his love and care, taking us camping on Assateague Island, the scenic car rides up north, his golf cart tours of the property and his singing happy birthday messages.
He is survived by his second wife Cheryl Russell Hayward, eight of his nine children; Richard A. (Skip) Hayward, Sandra Daggett, Theresa Bell, Susan Whipple, Cynthia Torraca, Belinda McKeon, Patricia Byron, Robert Hayward and his 17 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his first wife of 49 years and the mother of his children, Theresa Plouffe Hayward, his son Rodney Hayward, his brothers Donald Hayward and Dilworth Hayward, his sisters Maralee Hayward, Evelyn Bertch, Marion Chambers and three grandchildren Richard Bell, Michael Daggett and one who died at infancy.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Old Mystic Baptist Church, 151 Shewville Road, Groton on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Center for Hospice Care, Navy Relief Fund or the American Diabetes Association.
To share a message of condolence or remembrance with his family, please click the link below.