U.S. Army veteran

Published September 6, 2019

MELROSE — George F. “Fred” Hayes, 84, longtime Melrose resident, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at Bear Hill Nursing Center in Stoneham.

Fred was born to the late George P. and Gertrude J. (Henderson) Hayes on October 2, 1934 in Medford. He grew up in Melrose graduating from Melrose High School in 1953.

He went on to further his education at Boston University, where he was a member of the Pershing Rifles. He graduated in 1957. Fred joined the United States Army after college and served honorably for two years active duty, and for many years in the reserves. He was honorably discharged as a Full Colonel. He received the Meritorious Service Medal and the Korean Defense Service Medal.

While in the reserves, Fred met an Army Nurse, Shirley M. Glass, through a friend, and went on to get married on May 6, 1967. They shared 52 wonderful years together.

Fred and Shirley raised their family in Melrose, and he was an active member in his community, especially at his church, First United Methodist. He was active in numerous committees and was the Church Photographer for all the Senior Saints’ events and trips.

First and foremost, though, Fred was a family man. Wherever he went, it involved family. He enjoyed taking trips to Georgia to see relatives and going on family adventures in Maine. He truly looked forward to time spent on Christmas Cove, and later Old Orchard Beach. The time and memories made in Maine will be treasured.

Around his beloved Melrose, one could find Fred going for a walk and tracking his steps on his Fitbit. He and Shirley also enjoyed going to the Melrose Symphony, and enjoying the warm summer days in their pool. If he wasn’t busy walking or swimming, he enjoyed nurturing his many tomato plants, and their many pets that they had over the years.

Growing up in the Boston area, he was also an avid sports fan. He enjoyed watching the Red Sox and Patriots games and he had an amazing ability to quote the statistics from games dating many years back.

Fred’s good nature, kindness and gentleness, and sense of humor will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Fred is the beloved husband of Shirley M. (Glass) Hayes with whom he shared 52 years of marriage. Devoted father of Cheryl A. Hayes of Stoneham, and the late Brian F. Hayes. Loving brother of his twin, Robert E. Hayes and his wife Marie of Mansfield, and the late Harold Thomson. Proud Uncle of Glenn Hayes and his wife Michelle, and great uncle of Jennifer and Nicholas.

Relatives and friends will gather in honor and remembrance of Fred’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Friday, Sept. 6 from 4-8 p.m., and for his funeral service at the First United Methodist Church, 645 Main St., Melrose, celebrated on Saturday at 10 a.m. Interment with Military Honors presented by the U.S. Army at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.

Gifts in Fred’s memory may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 645 Main St., Melrose, MA. 02176.

For online tribute or directions visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.