William M. “Bill” Hayes, of Charlestown, formerly of South Boston, entered into eternal life on Saturday, March 25, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was 75 years old.
Bill was born in Boston, the son of the late Joseph and Lillian (Rice) Hayes. He was raised in South Boston and graduated from Boston Latin High School. Immediately following graduation, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where he proudly served his country for two tours during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Purple Heart after being wounded in action.
Upon discharge, Bill returned to South Boston and began his 31-year career as a welder with Boston Edison. “Big Bill”, as he was affectionately known, was a proud son of South Boston, who lived in Charlestown for many years, where he and his beloved wife of 52 years, Kathleen “Kathy”, raised their family. He was active with the South Boston Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Known for his big hugs and generosity, he lit up a room whenever he entered it. The most important thing to him was his family and he cherished times spent with his wife, children and grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and loved watching Boston sports teams.
In addition to his beloved wife of 52 years, Kathleen M. “Kathy” (Hitchcock) Hayes, Billy is lovingly survived by his children: William M. Hayes, Jr. and his wife Comfort of Worcester, Boston Fire Dept. Captain, Ladder 4, Kenneth J. Hayes and his wife Christina, and Kolleen H. Lambert and her husband Robert of Northborough, MA. He was the devoted “Papa” of Jennifer Lambert, Jessica Lambert, Jordan Lambert, Bella Hayes, Lola Hayes, Willa Hayes and Lucky Hayes, who he loved with all of his giant heart. Bill was the dear brother of Midge Manning, Sandra O’Leary, Barbara Martin, Janice Bowers, Marilyn Hayes, Roberta Sullivan, Edna Hayes, Kathy Hayes and the late Franny Christello and Joseph Hayes, and is further survived by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Bill’s Funeral on Friday, March 31, 2023, at 9AM from the Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St., Charlestown, followed by his Funeral Mass at 10AM in St. Francis De Sales Church, 313 Bunker Hill St., Charlestown. Burial will be private. Visiting Hours will be held on Thursday, March, 30 from 4-7PM in the Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Bill’s name to VNA Hospice & Palliative Care, 120 Thomas St., Worcester, MA 01608 www.vnacare.org/donors.