Edward J. Hakes

11/29/2001

Edward J. Hakes 79, of 34 Commercial St. died yesterday morning at North Adams Regional Hospital, where he had been admitted Nov. 12. Born in Adams on June 12, 1922, son of William H. and Lena Schermerhorn Hakes, he was a 1941 graduate of the former Adams High School, where he excelled on the basketball and baseball teams. He enlisted in the Army in December 1942 and served as a radio operator with the headquarters company of the 374th Field Artillery. He saw action in North Africa and in the Eastern European and Rhineland campaigns, and was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant Feb. 26, 1946. He received several decorations and battle ribbons. Mr. Hakes was employed by the former Arnold Print Works in the shipping department for 30 years. He became sexton at St. Mark''s Church and also was a steward at several fraternal organizations. He was an umpire and a coach for local teams, including St. Mark''s boys basketball team in the Adams Church League, and played with the Adams Men''s Softball League. He was instrumental in the establishment and maintenance of the Berkshire Dance Theatre and the Maple Grove Civic Club scholarships. He was the recording secretary for the club and held other offices in it. A man of few words who possessed a gentle good humor, Hakes was a passionate sports fan loyal to Hoosac Valley High School athletics, for many years rarely missing a home football or basketball game. He also was a discerning observer of high school sports and could be counted on by local sports historians for frank insights and opinions. His wife, the former Mary Palmer Brooks, whom he married Oct. 4, 1947, died March 29, 1980. He leaves two daughters, Kathleen M. Hakes of North Adams and Susan M. Hakes of Pownal, Vt.; two sons, John E. Hakes of Cincinnati and Peter J. Hakes of Ware; a brother, William H. Hakes of Adams, and two grandchildren. A service celebrating the life of Edward J. Hakes will be offered Sunday, Dec. 2, at 1 p.m. in the Berkshire Dance Theatre at 34 Commercial St., Adams. The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Berkshire Dance Theatre Scholarship Fund and the Maple Grove Civic Club Scholarship Fund through MCBRIDE FUNERAL HOME, 6 Liberty St., Adams, MA 01220, which is in charge of arrangements.

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