Bernard Niall Hayes, A lifelong resident of Boston’s South End died peacefully on February 21 surrounded by his loved ones. Born on September 7,1928, the eldest of seven siblings. He was a Graduate of Boston’s English High School was a U.S. Army Veteran earning the rank of Sargent.

He was the son of the late James and Anne (Kingston) Hayes of Boston and Rosscarbery, Ireland. Bernard was preceded in death by his brothers James, Chris, Harry, his sister Mary (Hayes) McCarthy, Sister-in-law Jeanne (Delorie) Hayes, brother in law Curt Fishman, Sister in law Karen O’Keefe, Sister in law Elizabeth (FitzGerald) Weaver and her husband William, Sister in law Margaret (FitzGerald) Millis and her husband Joseph, Brother in law Maurice FitzGerald and his wife Catherine, and Brother in law Blaze Cacciola

Bernard is survived by the love of his life his wife Mary Veronica (FitzGerald) Hayes for the last 70 years, and their son Bernard Gerard Hayes.

He is also survived by his Brothers Paul Hayes of Boston, Thomas Barry and his wife Angie (Prioli ) Hayes of Boston, his Sister-in-law Clare (Helman) Hayes of Boston, his Brother-in-law Eugene McCarthy of Ireland, and his sister in law Anne (FitzGerald) Cacciola of New Hampshire.

Bernard also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and an extended group of caring, loving members of both the Hayes and FitzGerald families all of which considered him a surrogate father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

During his life he was a talented painter, building manager, and master-of-all-trades willing to try his hand at almost any project.

Bernard met his Mary one blessed night (thanks to her sister Anne) at a dance social at the Cathedral in Boston. Their love began that night and just a couple of years later on May 22nd, 1954, they were married at the same place where they met, the Cathedral. Their love story was the kind you would read about in fairy tales. They had mutual respect, kindness, consideration, and passion that only true love brings. Over their 7 decades together their love grew more deeply. They truly had a wonderful life filled with love.

Bernard had a love of life and people. Sitting on the front steps of 142 West Canton and talking with all his neighbors, walking up the street to sit outside 156 with his mom and dad, visiting Chris, Clare and Harry, having memorable times with Barry and Angie, and epic Black Tie Christmas parties with Curt and Paul at 162, the family home. He loved being in the city where he and Mary could walk hand-in-hand everywhere: the Cathedral, the Symphony, their favorite Copley Plaza and so many places they could enjoy with so many friends. As much as he enjoyed the city he loved getting away to Duxbury.

Duxbury became more than just a summer place it became their second home. For Bernard and his wife Mary this was their sanctuary. A place where they could enjoy being with many nieces and nephews as well as taking long walks on Duxbury beach. They celebrated many milestone anniversaries at Mirmar retreat center. Mirmar was their Cathedral when they were in Duxbury. So much life and love until his busy world hushed and God took him home.

Funeral services will be announced later.