Francis Joseph Hayes, Jr.

Francis Joseph Hayes Jr., known to all as Joe, passed away peacefully in Englewood, Colorado, on November 26, 2025, at 82. He was a devoted husband to Gene, his loving wife of 50 years, and a proud dad to their son, John.

Joe and Gene met in Washington D.C. and settled in Colorado in 1975. They welcomed their son John in 1981, raising him in Littleton and introducing him at a young age to Joe’s love for sport, especially golf and basketball.

Joe had a diverse career that spanned many years. He served as the president of the Denver Dry Goods Company; managing partner at Lampert Lumber Company in St. Paul, Minnesota; and held a senior leadership position at May D&F. His journey in retail began at Sibley’s, a department store chain in Rochester, New York. After retiring, Joe dedicated his skills to the Denver Rescue Mission, working in business development.

Joe graduated with a bachelor's degree in economics from St. John’s Fisher College. He also attended Michigan State University, where he played basketball for the Spartans.

Born on December 28, 1942, in Rochester, New York, Joe leaves behind his beloved wife Gene, son John and his wife Rachel, and grandchildren Pierce and Stella.

In lieu of flowers, his family kindly asks for donations in Joe’s memory to the Rocky Mountain Cancer Center through the Ray of Hope Cancer Foundation.