Charles H. Hayes, born November 19th, 1940, to Charles M. Hayes and Eunice (Pollard) Hayes, had a distinguished career marked by his love of writing and sports. A Mynderse Academy graduate and Navy veteran, Charles served as the sports editor for the Geneva Times from 1971 to 1976 and later for the Desert Dispatch in Barstow, California. Upon his return to Seneca Falls, he worked at the Seneca Army Depot in the Individual Protective Equipment Division and then Griffis Air Force Base in Rome, NY. During his time at Griffis, he edited the base newspaper, The Mohawk Fire, for the 416th Bombardment Wing's Public Affairs Office. After Griffis AFB closed, Charles joined Bank of America, retiring in 2017.

Charles is survived by his longtime partner, Francis Baker; brother, David Hayes; daughter, Sheila (Hayes) Turri; son, Timothy Hayes; stepson, Donald Baker; grandchildren, Alexis Hayes, Nicholas Turri and Matthew Turri; great-grandsons, Brody and Max Turri, along with several beloved nieces and cousins. In addition to his parents, Charles was predeceased by his son, Charles “Chris” Hayes in December of 2024.

A graveside service, with full military honors, will be held on Friday, February 20th, 2026 at 1:00 PM at the New York State Veterans Cemetery- Finger Lakes.

"Goodbye is not forever"