George F. Hayes, Sr.

George F. Hayes, Sr. 85, a longtime resident of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully surrounded by the ones he loved Saturday, May 31st 2025.

George was born in Shrewsbury, one of twelve children of the late, Patrick and Delia (Corcoran) Hayes. Raised in Shrewsbury, George graduated from Shrewsbury High and joined the U.S. Army. In 1961, George married his high school sweetheart, Patricia G. Garceau. They became a Regular Army family, traveling from Army assignment to assignment, raising their children for the next 16 years around the world, before settling in Shrewsbury in March of 1978. He retired as a Sergeant First Class after 22 years of distinguished service with a tour in Vietnam. Notably, George’s specialty in the Army was as a chef, feeding the soldiers. Upon discharge from the Army, George began a second career as a mail handler for the U.S. Postal service in Shrewsbury for the next 20 years, retiring in 2001. 

George’s wife Patricia, passed away in 2015 after 54 years of faith, family and devotion. He leaves his four devoted children; Tina M. Buono and her husband Paul of West Boylston, George F. Hayes Jr. and his wife Debora of Shrewsbury, Karen A. Amoroso and her husband Luciano "Luke" of Oxford and Patrick A. Hayes; 13 grandchildren he adored, Kyle, Lisa, Nicholas, Ashley, George, Jonathan, Brandon, Joshua, Megan, Sara, Tyler, Kevin and Bridget; three great grandchildren, Whaylen, Kaydence and Layhne. George leaves behind his beloved cat companion, Minnie, who he loved and cherished for the past 16 years. He was the last of twelve siblings, predeceased by; William, Daniel, Edmund, John, Patrick Hayes Jr., Margaret Tuttle, Rita Perry, Patricia Vaudreuil, Eileen Atchue, Mary and Margaret Hayes. George is survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

George and his family were members of Saint Anne's Parish in Shrewsbury. A 32nd degree Mason, he was a member of the Matthew John Whittall Lodge of Masons for more than 30 years. George and Patricia loved to travel, notably four times to Ireland and three trips to Hawaii, and many camping trips to various locations throughout the New England area. He enjoyed Bayley’s Camping Resort, where he spent many a summer vacations. Aside from traveling the world, George cherished the moments he spent spending time with and supporting his family. He spent many hours alongside Patricia, preparing and cooking for the holidays as well as for many family occasions. George devoted many years collecting bottles and cans, and using the proceeds to support the many children at Shriner’s Hospital in Boston. 

Friends and family are invited to calling hours Monday, June 9, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. His funeral will be held on Tuesday, June 10th from the funeral home, departing in procession at 10:40 a.m. for an 11:00 a.m. funeral Mass at Saint Anne Church, 130 Boston Turnpike Road (route 9 east), Shrewsbury, MA. Burial with full Army honors will follow in Mt View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in his name can be made to St Jude’s children’s research hospital, 501 St Jude way, Memphis TN or the Shriners hospital Shriners Children’s New England, Office of Philanthropy, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104