Obituary for Dr. Robert B. Hayes
Dr. Robert B. Hayes
Avon - Dr. Hayes died peacefully in his home on January 13, 2023 at age 90. He was a proud native of Rochester’s 19th Ward and alumnus of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Aquinas Institute ‘50, and the University of Rochester BA ‘54/MD ’58. Known by many patients as “Doc Hayes” or “Dr. Bob”, he practiced Family Medicine in the community of Avon for nearly fifty years. Most of that time was spent in partnership with his brother-in-law, Dr. Richard Collins. Dr. Collins often joked that he sent his sister, Polly, to the University of Rochester School of Nursing to recruit someone for the family practice. While practicing in Avon, Dr. Hayes was the School Physician for Avon Central and in recognition for this service was inducted into the Avon Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017.
Dr. Hayes practiced medicine in an era when home visits and evening office hours were the norm. He treated patients from birth through the end-of-life. He was known for his keen skills as a diagnostician, his calm and gentle demeanor, and the care and compassion that he demonstrated for every patient.
Always a team, Doc and Polly were strong participants in their faith and their community. They were active members of St. Agnes Parish in Avon. All seven Hayes children graduated from St. Agnes School. They also helped with the annual Avon St. Patrick’s Day Party that was held for many years. Doc was an Avon Rotary Paul Harris Fellow and a member of the Van Zandt Hose Company where he served as chaplain for many years.
More than anything else, Dr. Bob was dedicated to his family. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He modeled how to value and care for your family. In return, his family adored him. None more than his dear Polly. The two ended each day by telling one another, “I love you with all my heart. Forever and ever. Amen.”
Dr. Hayes was predeceased by his son, Michael Hayes; parents Basil and Helen (Eddy) Hayes; sisters Frances (Robert) Campbell and Joan Chronis. Survived by his loving wife, Marcia “Polly” Hayes; sons, Stephen (Carol McCarthy), Timothy (Carole), John (Karen), and Robert (Allison) Hayes; daughters, Mary Beth (Michael) DiBacco and Maureen “Molly” Hayes (Stuart Baker); Grandchildren, Catherine, William, Andrew, Patrick, Collin, Kathleen, Elizabeth, Hannah, Adara, Nora, Bridget, Caroline, and Joseph Hayes; Sarah, Michael, Emily DiBacco; Robert, Rory, and Caitie Baker.
Family and friends are invited to call Thursday, January 19, 2023 from 1- 3:00 pm, 6 - 8 pm at Stephenson-Dougherty Funeral Home, 350 Genesee St, Avon, NY. Funeral Mass Friday, January 20, 2023 at 11 am at St. Agnes Church, 96 Prospect St., Avon, NY. Internment St. Agnes Cemetery, Avon, NY. Memorials to St. Agnes School Foundation, 60 Park Place, Avon, NY 14414.
Avon - Dr. Hayes died peacefully in his home on January 13, 2023 at age 90. He was a proud native of Rochester’s 19th Ward and alumnus of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Aquinas Institute ‘50, and the University of Rochester BA ‘54/MD ’58. Known by many patients as “Doc Hayes” or “Dr. Bob”, he practiced Family Medicine in the community of Avon for nearly fifty years. Most of that time was spent in partnership with his brother-in-law, Dr. Richard Collins. Dr. Collins often joked that he sent his sister, Polly, to the University of Rochester School of Nursing to recruit someone for the family practice. While practicing in Avon, Dr. Hayes was the School Physician for Avon Central and in recognition for this service was inducted into the Avon Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017.
Dr. Hayes practiced medicine in an era when home visits and evening office hours were the norm. He treated patients from birth through the end-of-life. He was known for his keen skills as a diagnostician, his calm and gentle demeanor, and the care and compassion that he demonstrated for every patient.
Always a team, Doc and Polly were strong participants in their faith and their community. They were active members of St. Agnes Parish in Avon. All seven Hayes children graduated from St. Agnes School. They also helped with the annual Avon St. Patrick’s Day Party that was held for many years. Doc was an Avon Rotary Paul Harris Fellow and a member of the Van Zandt Hose Company where he served as chaplain for many years.
More than anything else, Dr. Bob was dedicated to his family. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He modeled how to value and care for your family. In return, his family adored him. None more than his dear Polly. The two ended each day by telling one another, “I love you with all my heart. Forever and ever. Amen.”
Dr. Hayes was predeceased by his son, Michael Hayes; parents Basil and Helen (Eddy) Hayes; sisters Frances (Robert) Campbell and Joan Chronis. Survived by his loving wife, Marcia “Polly” Hayes; sons, Stephen (Carol McCarthy), Timothy (Carole), John (Karen), and Robert (Allison) Hayes; daughters, Mary Beth (Michael) DiBacco and Maureen “Molly” Hayes (Stuart Baker); Grandchildren, Catherine, William, Andrew, Patrick, Collin, Kathleen, Elizabeth, Hannah, Adara, Nora, Bridget, Caroline, and Joseph Hayes; Sarah, Michael, Emily DiBacco; Robert, Rory, and Caitie Baker.
Family and friends are invited to call Thursday, January 19, 2023 from 1- 3:00 pm, 6 - 8 pm at Stephenson-Dougherty Funeral Home, 350 Genesee St, Avon, NY. Funeral Mass Friday, January 20, 2023 at 11 am at St. Agnes Church, 96 Prospect St., Avon, NY. Internment St. Agnes Cemetery, Avon, NY. Memorials to St. Agnes School Foundation, 60 Park Place, Avon, NY 14414.