GERARD HAYES

Gerard Hayes, a lifelong resident of the North End and formerly of South Boston, passed away on March 5, 2026. Born and raised in South Boston, he was the loving son of the late Francis and Pauline (Lynch) Hayes. A cherished cousin to Robert Lynch and his family, he was also a dear friend to Paul Rudack, Phil McMann, Shawn Porter, Jim Weber, Carol and Fran Ricchuiti, and Kate Hennigan. He was a beloved uncle to Kim Ozaki, Karen O’Leary, and Daniel Rudack.

Gerard attended St. Brigid’s School and served as an altar boy at the church before graduating from BC High. He enlisted in the United States Army, and after his service, used the GI Bill to attend Northeastern University, where he earned a degree in computer engineering. He went on to work for Univac and Sperry Corporation, with assignments that took him to New York, Philadelphia, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii. A passionate sailor, he was a member of the South Boston Yacht Club for 65 years and devoted nine years to helping run the junior sailing program in which he himself had participated as a child. His students held him in great affection.

Known as a gentleman who was humble, kind, and a friend to all, Gerard earned the fond nickname “the Dogfather” as an honorary member of the Christopher Columbus dog park association in the North End. He will be remembered with deep fondness and forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.