John E. Hayward

John E. Hayward of Melbourne, FL, formerly of Manchester and Candia, NH, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2023 in Melbourne six days before his 90th birthday.

John was born in Manchester on June 23, 1933 to Roy and Edna (Fitzgerald) Hayward. He was a resident of Manchester and Candia for most of his life, spending winters in Florida until moving to Melbourne, FL full time in 2017.

John graduated from Manchester Central High School in 1951 and went on to serve in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Requin during the Korean War. He married the love of his life, Judith “Judy” (Briggs) Hayward after returning from the Navy.

John worked for the Public Service Company of New Hampshire for 35 years, retiring as the company’s real estate manager. In addition to his work at Public Service, he supported his wife Judy in operating her business Hayward’s Furniture store in Manchester.

John had several passions and hobbies in life. He loved the game of baseball and enjoyed coaching Little League Baseball. He was an avid fan of the Red Sox and was known to watch every game. Knowledgeable of each players’ stats and career highlights, he enjoyed sharing his opinions with anyone as passionate about the game as he was. John had a similar passion for golf, spending much of his later years playing courses in Florida and New Hampshire, even once scoring a hole-in-one.

Outside these interests, John will be remembered for his fierce independence, quick wit, positivity, and devotion to his family.

John was predeceased by his loving wife of 64 years, Judith “Judy” (Briggs) Hayward in 2022; his parents; and his sister Geraldine Routhier.

John will be lovingly remembered by his family. He was the devoted father of three children, Kathleen “Kay” Harmon and her husband Richard of Exeter, NH, Sean Hayward and his wife Cathy of Bonita Springs, FL, and Brian Hayward and his wife Linda of Bedford, NH. He was the cherished “Grampie” to six grandchildren, Morgan Morris and her husband Michael, Colin Hayward, David and Sarah Harmon, and Patrick and Lauren Hayward; and one great-granddaughter Emery Morris. He was the dear brother of Carol “Bobbi” Bean and the adored uncle of several nieces and nephews.

SERVICES: A private cemetery service will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery in Bedford, NH.