George Daniel Hayden

01/25/2004

George Daniel Hayden, 90, of Park Street North died Sunday at home. Born in Housatonic on July 19, 1913, son of Dewey D. and Frances Murphy Hayden, he graduated from the former Searles High School and worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s. He served in the Army Air Corps and was honorably discharged before World War II. Mr. Hayden had owned and operated Smith Auto Electric on East Street from 1948 until 1982, when he retired and sold the business to a nephew. During the war, he was employed by the former Hathaway Bakery as a mechanic for its fleet of trucks. He first started working on cars at a local garage when he was nine, helping put brake bands on Model Ts. He also was a pilot and a licensed master aircraft mechanic. He and a friend built an airplane in the 1930s, and he had flown civilian charter flights while stationed in Mississippi. He was known for his fleet of restored, vintage Corvettes, and his habit of picking up abondoned machines and engines to tinker with. He also was a woodworker and enjoyed building Shaker furniture and working on his house. He and his wife, the former Gretchen Hall, were members of the former Barrington Players. She acted and he worked on lighting and props. He also enjoyed square dancing, playing cards and reading. His wife, whom he married June 6, 1938, in Housatonic, died March 15, 2003. He leaves his daughter, Patricia Hayden of Great Barrington; a sister, Agnes Walker of Housatonic, and a grandson. FUNERAL NOTICE -- A Mass in memory of George D. Hayden, who died Jan. 25, 2004, will be conducted Monday, Feb. 2, at 7 a.m. in the chapel at St. Peter's Church. There will be no calling hours; the family will have a memorial gathering in early May. Memorial donations may be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires through FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. He is survived by his daughter, Patricia Hayden of Great Barrington and her longtime companion, Rebecca Couch, his sister Agnes Walker of Housatonic and his grandson, Daniel Lahert. He was predeceased by four brothers, Charles, Harry, John and Marsh Hayden, and a sister, Theresa Hayden. Remembrances, memories and reflections may be sent to the family through www.finnertyandstevensfuneralhome.com .

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