David Philip Hayes PhD

David P. Hayes PhD, 84, of South Dennis MA and formerly of Milford MA died Friday (April 26, 2024) at Knollwood Nursing Center in Worcester MA after a period of declining health.

David was born in Milford MA, the son of the late Joseph T. Hayes and the late Helen P. (Callery) Hayes.

He attended the former St. Mary’s Grammar School in Milford MA and was a graduate of the former St. Mary’s Central Catholic High School, Class of 1958. David received his bachelor’s degree in education from the College of the Holy Cross in 1962. He later went on to attain his Masters Degree in Education from Boston College and also his PhD in Education & Administration from Boston College also.

At Holy Cross, he was a member of the Air Force ROTC Program; The Worcester Undergraduate Club; the John Colet Society; the Knights of Columbus; the Outing Club and had participated in the intramural sports program. David was also the President of the Milford Pro Deo Club at Holy Cross.

After graduating from the College of the Holy Cross in 1962, David started his successful & rewarding career in education as a mathematics and history teacher at Bellingham High School. He would go on to accept a job in the Milford public school system as a high school teacher.

David soon joined the administrative staff of Milford High School, where he served as Assistant Principal  for 20 years. David oversaw each graduating class’ Commencement ceremonies, working with the students on their speeches, managing the order of events, and handing each student their diploma.

One of his proudest accomplishments during his time at MHS was helping students organize a day of appreciation for Milford native, and Nobel Prize winner, Joseph E. Murray at the school (during a school day, so each student could attend).  

David was a longtime resident of Milford, growing up in (and later owning) the family home at 78 High Street in Milford. In July of 1975, David bought his Cape house in South Dennis MA. David was more than generous to the families of his brother and sisters; where they were afforded many years of cherished summer vacation weeks at his Cape house. His only requirement: “Don’t leave a mess!”  David retired full-time to his Cape house in the early 2000’s, where he built many new friendships that lasted decades.

After almost a year of health issues starting in January of 2023, David moved to Blackstone MA, in November of 2023, to live at the home of his nephew Kevin O’Rourke, and his wife Megan, and son Sullivan.

David lived a humble, yet quietly stoic life. He was so very proud of his family and both their Irish and Milford heritage (ask any relation about his tireless, multi-year research and production of the Family Tree binder that he gifted his siblings and each and every niece and nephew; mostly done before the availability of the internet).

David was very proud – but never boastful – of his hard earned post graduate degrees, friendships, and even his collection of heavily stamped passports which proved his love of not only seeing as much of this world as he could.

David was very proud of his Milford roots. He was proud of serving his community not only in the education of the town’s children, but serving on many committees and boards, but also helping to create and/or assist on the planning of many town and school events over the many decades he lived in his hometown. David was a Co-Founder & President  of the former Greater Milford Alzheimer’s Alliance; had served on the Milford Town Council; had been a member of the Board of Trustees at the Milford Town Library and also had served as a member of the Milford Fire Station Building Committee.

David is survived by his sister: Kathleen E. Haran of Worcester MA and his brother: Joseph T. Hayes of Milford MA; also survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, great grandnieces & great grandnephews.

David was the brother of the late Patricia Wagner; the late Felice O’Rourke and the late Sheila Toomey. He was also pre-deceased by his nephew: Gregory Hayes; his nephew Patrick O’Rourke and his niece & godchild: Maureen O’Rourke.

His funeral will be held Monday (May 6th) at 9am from the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home, 44 Congress Street, Milford MA followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am in St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 19 Winter Street, Milford MA. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Milford MA. Visiting hours will be held Sunday (May 5th) from 2pm to 4pm at the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Tri-Valley Elder Services (Meals on Wheels Program); the Blackstone Fire Department   or to the Alzheimer’s Association, Massachusetts Chapter, 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham MA 02452.

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