Richard H. Hayes

Richard H. Hayes, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away on September 25, 2026, after a long illness. He was 85 years old.

Richard was born on September 3, 1941, in Wilmington, Delaware, to the late Doris and Richard Hayes. He proudly served in the United States Air Force at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. Following his military service, Richard worked for DuPont, where he enjoyed a 32-year career as a laboratory technician. He was notably involved in the first Kevlar Pulp project before retiring.

Richard was married to Nancy (Aram) Hayes, the love of his life, for 42 years. Together, they shared a life filled with love, laughter, family, and many cherished memories.

He loved camping, spending time at Delaware Park with his racing buddies, and vacationing each year in Hilton Head with family. He was an avid Phillies and Eagles fan and, above all, treasured spending time with his family.

Richard was a loyal and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was the "glue that held the family together." Funny, generous, and always looking for humor in everyday life, he delighted in sending unexpected money and gifts to family members and, with Nancy, spoiling their grandsons at Christmas. He was also a great listener who offered kindness and understanding without judgment. His warmth, humor, generosity, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Richard was preceded in death by his son, Robert “Bob” Hayes; his daughter, Jinni Butz; his brother, Robert “Bob” Hayes; his brother, Roger Hayes; and his brothers-in-law, John Bogucki and Robert Aram.

In addition to his wife, Nancy, Richard is survived by his daughter, Dawn Hayes Roth; his grandsons, Nathaniel Butz, Oliver Butz, Jack Roth, Alexander Roth, and Christopher Hayes; his sister, Doris Bogucki; his brother, Ronald “Ron” Hayes (Suzanne); his sister-in-law, Kimberly Hayes, widow of his late brother, Roger Hayes; Daniel Butz, father of his grandsons Nathaniel and Oliver, and Daniel’s wife, Heidi; Ray Siciliano, Jinni Butz’s partner.

Richard will also be remembered fondly by his extended family and many dear friends.

A visitation will be held on Friday evening, October 2, 2026, from 6:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. at Mealey Funeral Home, 2509 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808. A funeral service will also be held at Mealey Funeral Home on Saturday morning, October 3, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. Burial will take place privately at All Saints Cemetery at a later date.

A luncheon will follow the funeral service. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either:

American Lung Association, 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150 Chicago, IL 60601

Humane Animal Partners, Attn: Philanthropic Team, 455 Stanton Christiana Road, Newark, DE 19713

Richard's love, laughter, generosity, and devotion to his family will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.