Russell E. Hayes

Russell E. Hayes, 86, of Charlestown, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Born in Attleboro, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late William and Ruth (Kellogg) Hayes. He was the loving husband of Mary J. (Godsoe) Hayes for 63 years.

A gifted carpenter and furniture maker, Russell was also a skilled blacksmith and certified instructor by the RI State Council for the Arts. He took great pride in crafting a wide variety of pieces with his hands. An active member of the Wakefield Rotary Club, he received the Paul Harris Fellow award from Rotary International and was an enthusiastic contributor to the club’s yearly Balloon Festival. He was a proud Army veteran who served in the reserves.

He is survived by his wife Mary, his son David Hayes and his wife Kathleen, six grandchildren, Bobby Mulligan Jr., Brendan Mulligan, Matthew Hayes, Connor Mulligan, Erin Mulligan, and Melissa (Melie) Hayes, and three great-grandchildren, Connor Hayes, Rowan Bolognese, and Skylar Hayes. He was the father of the late Martha Mulligan.

Russell’s many hobbies included building a detailed model steam train railroad layout depicting lumbering in late 18th- to early 19th-century New Hampshire, as well as photography, antiquing, painting, and building and refinishing furniture. He and Mary especially enjoyed camping in their RV with friends.