Thomas (Tommy) Michael Hayes, Jr.

On November 17, 2020, Thomas Michael Hayes, Jr., (Tommy) passed away after a sudden, unexpected cardiac arrest while at home on November 15, 2020.  While hospitalized, Tommy was surrounded by loving family.  

Tommy spent his early years living with his family on Rosalie Street in Philadelphia, where he grew up in a nurturing family environment.  Tommy’s loving parents, Marie and Tom Sr., had six children (two boys and four girls).  In this closest of neighborhoods, Tommy fashioned himself a sports hero of Somerdale Boys Club, as many of his playground squad would agree.  Football and basketball were his main game, and he was tagged with the name Sticky for his long lean physique.

After graduating from Cardinal Dougherty High School, Tommy was drafted into the Army where he served for 3 years in the 82nd Airborne as a rigger.   In Basic Training, Tom was only one of two who earned perfect scores on the athletic trials.  Tommy was a true patriot!

After his honorable discharge, Tommy landed a job at the U.S. Postal Service, like his Dad, staying for eight years.  He also recalls being a star on the USPS basketball team.  Verification may be needed here.

Tom’s beautiful daughters Jaclyn (1980) and Krystina (1982) were born here in Maple Shade, New Jersey.  The term Girl Dad wasn’t a thing back then but Tommy was the premier Girl Dad and always the best to his girls who he loved more than anything.

Tommy eventually started working on his own and later with his brother in construction, remodeling and painting.  

Many years later, he met his current fiancé, Michele Murphy, while on a job.  Tommy and Michele hit it off immediately, and began a life together in Cinnaminson New Jersey.  Michele’s job moved them to Minnesota for what was supposed to be three years.   Ten years later, he still was counting the minutes to be able to get the .... out of the cold.  

But Tommy didn’t wait idly, he volunteered thousands of hours at Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill Construction Training, and the Veterans Hospital.  While teaching his students at Goodwill, he earned the name Old School Tom, which he wore with pride.   

In 2016, Tom and Michele retired to the Outer Banks NC, where he could finally warm up.  From that day, Tom and Michele lived the dream, and loved every day together to the max.  Tom did everything humanly possible to make their lives full of love, fun and lots of chatting!  Another nickname from the service is Gabby!   “Hey hon” could be heard hundreds of times each day.

Tommy loved his friends and had hundreds of them dating back to his days on Rosalie Street.  They all thought they were his best friends, fishing buddies, and partners in crime, and they were, but his best friends of all were his Dad, brother Michael and Brother in Law David Deaner.   His long-time friends Steve, Ben and Jimmy were on his robo-dial.

Tommy could do anything.  He was a master surf fisherman, he could make or build anything, was a math wizard (old school style) and had a creative flair that showed in everything he did.   

But nothing compared to his three supreme joys: Granddaughters Madison (10), Brooke (8) and his dog Frisco.   He moved mountains for them and would throw himself in front of anything that could harm them.

But if there was one thing that stood out above all others about Tommy, it was his sense of humor.  Any of the myriad of tales told from his life are filled with humor and laughter.  What a legacy to be able to have made so many hundreds smile, chuckle and say, “He was one of a kind”.

His Mom and Dad and his beloved sisters Eloise and Linda precede Tommy in death.  He is survived by his love Michele, Daughters Jackie and Tina, Sons in Law Chuck Hassen and Kevin Phillips, Grandchildren Madison and Brooke Hassen, Sister and Brother in Law Diane and Paul Warren, Brother and Sister in Law Michael and Maureen Hayes, Sister and Brother in Law Colleen and David Deaner, and all of his beloved nieces and nephews and their families.

There will be a viewing to pay respects to Tom and his family on Friday, November 20th, 7-9 pm at the Mark C. Tilghman Funeral Home, 38 N. Forklanding Road,  Maple Shade, NJ.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on November 21st, Saturday, 11:00 am Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 236 E. Main Street, Maple Shade, New Jersey. Interment will be private.

Social distancing will be in effect, facial coverings are required, and visitors are asked to return to their cars after paying their respects so others may do the same. All required Covid protections will be closely followed and the family is asking that each person make the best decision for them and their family as to whether a private prayer in Tom’s remembrance is more advisable than attending the services.  

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s memory can be made to the Gary Sinese Foundation, PO Box Woodland Hills, California 91365 (www.garysinesefoundation.org/donate/).