Robert "Bob" Jude Hayes

Robert “Bob” Jude Hayes, 76, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly. Born in Brooklyn, New York, on April 3, 1950, Bob grew up in Syracuse, New York, before making Virginia his home in 1977. An alumnus of Syracuse University, Bob earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees there before devoting his life’s work to public service. He began his career with the City of Syracuse, then joined the Federal government in 1977, lending his talents to four Federal agencies before finding his true professional home with the U.S. Marshals Service. There he served proudly for 27 years, rising to Senior Financial Officer, a role that earned him the affectionate and lasting nickname “The Money Man” from the Marshals themselves. He closed his distinguished career in 2012, retiring as Executive Aide to the Deputy Director of the Service. Among the many honors he received over the years, was the prestigious Director’s Meritorious Service Award. An ultimate Syracuse University sports superfan, Bob “bled orange” for decades. He was a beloved fixture at Syracuse basketball, lacrosse, and football games, and one of the great joys of his fandom came in 2003, when he traveled to New Orleans to watch the Syracuse men’s basketball team capture the NCAA national championship in person. Above all, Bob was a family man. He was predeceased by his loving parents, William and Louise (Cavanaugh) Hayes. He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Paula Freda Hayes; his devoted children, Brendan Hayes and his wife Allison, and Lauren Hayes Chappell and her husband Kendon; and his four cherished grandchildren, Audrey Chappell, Moira Chappell, Eliza Hayes, and Holden Hayes, to whom he was a proud and doting “Poppy.” He is also survived by his sister, Mary Louise Serr and her husband Frederick, and his niece and nephews, Rebecca Serr and Patrick Serr, Thomas Pallante, Frank Pallante, Michael Pallante, and Gregory Pallante. Bob loved the home he built with Paula. A peaceful haven for the whole family, one filled with love, laughter, books, spirited conversations, excellent food and a loyal dog never far away. Bob will be remembered as a quiet, deeply kind, and generous man who gave everything he had to his family, his friends, and even strangers, asking for nothing in return. He was loved, and he will be missed. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the New Baltimore Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company.

Robert "Bob" Jude Hayes

April 3, 1950 - June 25, 2026