Obituary of Harold G. Hayward

Harold George Hayward, a longtime Florham Park resident, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 2, 2025, just six days shy of his 90^th birthday. Known for his kind heart, sharp wit, and deep devotion to family, Harold’s legacy is one of love, loyalty, and laughter.

Born on August 8, 1935, in Port-Aux-Basques, Newfoundland, Canada to the late Dalton and Rebecca Hayward (nee Trimm), Harold was raised in the rugged beauty of his homeland and proudly served in the Canadian Air Force for three years. In 1957, seeking new opportunities, he moved to the United States, first settling in Boston before making his way to Brooklyn, New York. It was there, in a bar called The Harmony, owned by the brothers of the woman who would become his wife, that Harold met the love of his life, Helen Ann Hayward (nee Reich). They married on February 10, 1962, and together built a beautiful life, eventually settling in Staten Island in 1971 to raise their family.

Harold was a hardworking man who spent many years as a truck driver for Blandford Construction in Brooklyn. Whether navigating the roads with 70s music playing on the radio or coming home to work on cars and fix things around the house, he was always on the move and always lending a hand. Handy and humble, Harold could fix just about anything and if he couldn’t, he’d find a way to learn.

A dedicated Yankees fan and a regular at Madison hockey games, Harold never missed a chance to cheer on his grandkids. He showed up to every game and event, always present, always proud. He found joy in fly fishing, poetry, history documentaries, and a good laugh. He had plenty of jokes to share, cracking them right up until the end and keeping everyone around him smiling. Harold enjoyed spending his summers in his beloved Newfoundland home. He spent his summers on “The Rock” with his wife Helen, his children and grandchildren exploring Gros Morne National Park, fishing  and  listening to music by the camp fire.

Harold was a family man in the truest sense. He never had a bad word to say about anyone and made everyone feel welcome, like they were family. His sincerity, warmth, and generosity left a lasting impression on all who knew him. He cared deeply about others and lived with quiet dignity and an open heart.

He is survived by his sons Steven Hayward and Ronald Hayward and his wife, Toni Ann; his daughters Susan Hoover and her husband John, Patricia Driscoll, and Laura Hayward and her fiancé Al. He is also survived by his siblings Ron Abbott and his wife Ruth, Joseph Curnew and his wife Marina, Winston Curnew and his wife Joanne, Deannie Curnew, Sandra Simmonds and her husband Bill, Mary White, and Kathy Palmer and her husband Larry.

Harold’s memory lives on in his cherished grandchildren Stefan, Katelyn, Ryan, Thomas, Sean, Christopher, Tyler, Matthew, Robert, Victoria, Daniel, Elizabeth, and Amanda; his four treasured great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Helen Ann Hayward; his brother Cyril Stone; and his cherished granddaughter Amber.

Harold lived a life full of meaning, laughter, and love. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation for Harold held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison

Interment will follow at St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Madison.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Harold’s memory to Meals on Wheels of Morris County, P.O. Box 1706, Morristown, NJ 07962.