Oliver Hayes

Oliver Ray Hayes, grandson of Civil War veteran Oliver F. Hayes, and well-loved son of Esther Hurry Hayes and Oliver R. Hayes, Sr. left this world on Wednesday, January 5, 2012 after a long illness. Born in Brockton, MA on June 16, 1927, Oliver treasured memories of growing up in Falmouth, Cape Cod. A graduate of what is now Northfield Mount Hermon, he earned his bachelor's degree at Harvard, and two Master's degrees from Columbia. He served two stints in the military, once during World War II and the other during the Korean Conflict. His life work was that of librarian, first in New York State, then Vermont, then Massachusetts. He finished his career as Library Director at Eastern Connecticut State University, retiring in 1992. Oliver leaves behind his wife, Anne Fitzmaurice Hayes, for whom he never failed to demonstrate his love, several cousins including Barbara Hurry, especially dear to him, and Amanda and Cleo, the last of a large number of rescue dogs. The Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., Rte. 195, Willimantic will be the location of a memorial service to be held on Saturday, January 14, 2012, at 3:00 p.m. Burial will take place at a private service to be scheduled later. In lieu of flowers, donations to Northfield Mount Hermon or to the Covenant Soup Kitchen are most welcome. Please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com for online memorial guest book.