John Patrick Hayden, age 89, of Southbury, entered into rest on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the Lutheran Home of Southbury.
Born in Derby on July 12, 1936, he was the son of the late Elmer and Elizabeth (Isaacs) Hayden. John spent most of his life in Middlebury, where he built a legacy of hard work, devotion, and quiet strength. He was a longtime shop foreman at Black & Decker, retiring after many years of dedicated service.
John was the devoted husband of 68 years to Valerie (Frost) Hayden. In his final months, nearly everyone he met heard the story of how he met his beloved Valerie while stationed in England during his Army service – a memory he cherished and shared with pride.
A proud family man, John worked tirelessly to provide for his loved ones. He never missed a sporting event or milestone in his sons’ lives, always present with guidance, support, and a listening ear. He had a gift for knowing when to speak and when simply to be there. His woodworking hobby brought joy to many, as he crafted country-style pieces for friends and family. He was also a huge history buff, reading volumes of historical books over the years. Above all, John treasured time spent with his family—never one to turn down an invitation, always smiling when his boys stopped by. In recent years, nothing lit up his face more than photos of his great-grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, Valerie, John is survived by his three sons: Garry (Ellie) Hayden, Patrick (Kimberly) Hayden, and Geoffrey (Jeannine) Hayden; his grandchildren: Christopher and Jonathan Hayden, Emily Rose, Michael Flavin, Meghan Ball, Sean Flavin, Andrew and Ashley Hayden, Emily Riahi, Taylor Hayden, Cassidy Rajchel, and Brendan Dickinson; and his great-grandchildren: Danny, Jacob, Emily, Dylan, Emerson, Dean, Drew, Miles, Avash, Caelan, Brian, Adrian, Luke, Ronan, Molly, and Jade. John also is survived by two brother-in-laws, Geoffrey and Philip Frost of England and Wales respectively. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews state-side as well as in the United Kingdom. John always loved going back to England. He did not go as often as he would have liked, but loved every trip. A trip he spoke of often was a trip withhis brother-in-law Geoffrey to Normandy, France to visit the beaches of the D-Day invasion.
He was predeceased by his siblings: Richard, Elmer, Robert and Donald Hayden, and his sister Isabelle Joyce.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, August 15th at 11:00 AM at Mt. St. Peter Cemetery Chapel, 212 New Haven Avenue, Derby.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association CT Chapter.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home, 253 Elizabeth St., Derby. Condolences may be shared at www.adzimafh.com.