Arnold Arthur Hayes, 89, of Monterey died Tuesday March 24, 2020 at VA Boston Healthcare System in Brockton.
Arnold was born Feb. 23, 1931, in Cleveland Ohio, son of August and Helen (Mlinarik) Hayes. He was a graduate of Wickliffe High School in Wickliffe, Ohio, class of 1949. Arnold was a career military serviceman and a career musician who played trumpet, keyboard and string bass. He joined the ROTC while in high school and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for 30 years, attaining the rank of command sergeant major. He was serving in Korea in 1968 when the Navy vessel USS Pueblo was captured. Arnold was involved with numerous Army bands during his military years, including the Army Field Band and the United States Armed Forces Bicentennial Band. In addition to his stateside service, he was stationed in Japan and Panama, and performed with bands on tour throughout Central and South America. After retirement he played with various local bands, and later formed his own group called the Lazy River Jazz Band. He was a member of the James A. Modolo VFW Post #8348 and the Sheffield American Legion, and was a local veterans agent for many years.
Arnold is survived by his wife, Judith Bidwell (Shaw) Hayes, whom he married Feb. 13, 1965; two daughters: Karen Traynor and husband Chris of Halifax, and Linda Lentz and partner John Horrigan of West Milford N.J.; and five grandchildren: Jesse, Eric, Ryan, Robert and Briana.
In light of current events, his memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the first responders of the Monterey Fire Department in care of the BIRCHES-ROY FUNERAL HOME, 33 South St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. Condolences may be made through birchesroyfuneralservices.com.
