Thomas M. Hayes

Our beloved Thomas M. Hayes entered into the eternal presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, September 21, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Thom was born on March 3, 1948, in New Haven, CT, to Thomas and Evelyn (DuPaul) Hayes. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in West Haven, CT and studied Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Connecticut. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1970.

For 57 years, Thom was the protector of the love of his life, his wife of 53 years, Florinda “Lin” (Panza). Together they built an amazing life and family.

Nothing meant more to Thom than his family. Thom was a proud and loving father to his two sons, Matthew (Kristin) and Michael (Bethany). He was a devoted father and father-in-law. Thom was a treasured and loving grandfather (known as “Bob”) to Emmett, Alexandra, Tobin, and Ethan, who brought him much laughter and great memories. Thom left his love of fishing with his grandchildren, along with special memories of his pond that was created with his sons.

Family members who traveled with him through life’s journey include his brother-in-law, Pat Panza (Sheila O’Neil), and sister-in-law, Janet (Joe Manfield), with nieces, Nicole (Gene Bouvier) and Danielle, and nephew, Joe Manfield, Jr.

The Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Family and Pastor Ryan Mills were an important part of Thomas’s steadfast faith in serving God. Thom was dedicated to helping at Trinity’s Food Pantry. He served as a facilitator for Trinity’s Intergenerational Sunday Program, as well as providing support to the Blessing Bag Program for the needy. A special thank you to Fred Sundermann, Bob Nielsen, and Nancy Lamont, who offered Thom friendship and guidance.

The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 292 Orange St., New Haven, CT. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to Trinity Lutheran at https://trinitylutherannh.org.

There are no words to express how deeply Thom will be missed. In the words of his favorite Irish blessing:

“May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His Hands.”

Rest in peace Thom.

Funeral arrangements are in care of Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Avenue, Hamden. To send condolences to his family, please see www.beecherandbennett.com.