ONEONTA – Joel (Jay) F. Hayes, 83, died peacefully at home with his family by his side, Saturday, March 30, 2013.


He was born June 20, 1929 in Williston Park, NY, and raised in Port Washington, NY, the son of Joel H. and Dorothy (Storey) Hayes.


Jay was a United States Army veteran serving from 1953 to 1958.


He graduated from Hartwick College with a Bachelor's degree and from SUNY Oneonta with a Master's degree, both in education. He taught at the Otego and Unatego High Schools for 36 years, retiring in 1991.

Jay was a member of the Oneonta Elks Club #1312, Oneonta Country Club, American Legion Post 259, NYS Teachers' Association and the NYS Teachers' Retirement System.


He is survived by Ann (Johnson) Hayes of Oneonta; daughters, Kristie Hayes of Oneonta, Laura and husband, Joe DiDomenico of Smithtown, Karen and husband, Bill Christiance of Oneonta, and Jill Spencer of Oneonta; grandchildren, Jesse Cochran, Kailee and Kristina DiDomenico, Michelle and Kasey Christiance, Nicole and Corie Spencer; many nieces and nephews from Amsterdam, NY.


Jay was happiest when surrounded by his family and friends and his beloved pets, Sophie, Chya and Phoebe. He loved hanging with his buddies at the Elks Club, golfing, fishing and spending time at the beach. He was best known for his kind heart, sense of humor and early morning phone calls.


The family extends a heartfelt thank you to his beloved caregivers.


In celebration of Jay's life, the family will receive friends from 2 to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 13th at the Elks Club, 84-86 Chestnut St., Oneonta. Upon Jay's request, casual attire is preferred.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Dr., Oneonta, NY 13820 or to Delaware Valley Humane Society, PO Box 182, Sidney, NY 13838.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to, www.lhpfuneralhome.com


Arrangements are with the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.