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William J. Hayes, musician, educator
Obituary | Cape Gazette
William Joseph Hayes, 75, a former music director and teacher in Rehoboth Beach and Lewes schools who designed the Bandstand on Rehoboth Avenue, died Saturday, Oct. 29, 1994, of multiple strokes in Kent General Hospital, Dover.
Mr. Hayes moved to Rehoboth Beach from Kings Mill, Ohio, in 1954 and became music director in Rehoboth beach public schools and taught vocal and instrumental music to elementary and high school student. When the Rehoboth Beach and Lewes school districts consolidated Mr. Hayes became music director at Cape Henlopen High School, a post he served at until his retirement in 1982.
In 1963, he began the popular “Summer Concert Series,” sponsored at that time by the Rehoboth Beach Chamber of Commerce and later by the City of Rehoboth Beach. Later, his dream came true. With his help, the plans were drawn for the Bandstand, and for 32 years hence, thousands of people have enjoyed the musical programs presented at the Bandstand at the foot of Rehoboth Avenue.
Mr. Hayes, the oldest of 11 children, was born in Nashville, Tenn. on June 21, 1919, and later moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where he attended school and was active in music with the Baptist church there. He attended the University of Tampa in Tampa, Fla. and graduated in 1943 with a bachelor of science degree in education. While in Tampa, e met the former Ruth Cooper and they were married on June 9, 1943. He later pursued graduate work at the University of Delaware.
Mr. Hayes served in the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific during World War II. He was a lieutenant wit ht he amphibious forces from 1943-46.
He returned to Cincinnati where he received his master’s degree in music at the Conservatory of Music. Shortly after receiving his degree he began teaching in Kings Mill, Ohio schools until he and his wife moved to Rehoboth Beach.
Mr. Hayes was a life member of the National Education Association. He served as vice president of the Delaware State Education Association in 1970, and as its president in 1971. He was a member of the Delaware State Education Association Executive Committee and a past president of DSEA Board of Directors. From 1973-75 he was a DSEA Executive Board member representing the Cape Henlopen School District.
He was a member of the Rehoboth Beach Kiwanis Club from 1982-86, and was director of music at Bethel United Methodist Church in Lewes for 31 years, retiring in 1990.
During his musical career, Mr. Hayes played cello and percussion in many ensembles in Ohio Michigan, Delaware and Florida. He played cello with the University of Tampa Symphony Orchestra and later was a cellist with the Salisbury (Md.) Symphony Orchestra.
Mr. Hayes is survived by his wife of 51 years, Ruth Hayes of Rehoboth Beach; a daughter, Susan Kate Hayes Barefoot of West Columbia, S.C.; three sister, Marie Orth of Cincinnati, Jewel Gilb f New Baltimore, Ohio and Leona Tolson of Lake Wales, Fla.; a brother, George Hayes of West Palm Beach, Fla.; and six grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Thursday at Bethel United Methodist Church in Lewes. Burial was in Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Summit.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill in Smyrna.
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