SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. — Thomas E.
“Gabby” Hays Jr., 86, of South Burlington, Vermont, died Sunday, May 17,
2015, at the Vermont Respite House in Williston, Vermont, after a short
battle with cancer.
He was born May 25, 1928, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, the son of
the late Thomas E. Hays MD and Marie (Morpeth) Hays. He moved to
Burlington as a young child. He played baseball and basketball at
Burlington High School.
He had several jobs throughout his life, but his favorite job was
sportswriter for both the Burlington Free Press and later for the
Springfield Reporter. He loved coaching! He coached basketball in
Burlington and American Legion Baseball in Springfield for many years.
The boys he coached became extended family members to the family. He was
an avid Boston Red Sox fan, and enjoyed the verbal exchanges he would
have with Yankee fans!
He was a member of the Springfield Elks Lodge for 53 years.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Doris (Fay) Hays of South
Burlington; three daughters, Deb Pederson and her husband, John, of
Weathersfield, Linda Stokes and her husband, Jim, of Springfield, and
Susan Tarbell and her husband, Jim, of North Springfield; 10
grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; five stepchildren, Jana Doria
McGrath of St. Albans, Vermont, John Doria of Reno, Nevada, James Doria
of Middlebury, Vermont, Jack Doria of Cayucos, California, and Jeremy
Doria of Wakefield, Rhode Island; and many step-grandchildren and
step-great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents, and his daughter Nancy Gurney.
Tommy's family extends special thanks to Denise and Jeanne at the VNA for their help, care and support during his illness.
There will be a Celebration of Life and Elks Service at 1 p.m.
Sunday, June 7, at the Springfield Elks Lodge on Park Street in
Springfield. Please come and share stories of Tommy! Burial will be
held later at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Tommy’s memory to the
Vermont Respite House, 99 Allen Brook Lane, Williston VT 05495; or to
the American Cancer Society, 55 Day Lane, Williston VT 05495.
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