Bob Hayes was born in Watertown, NY on June 17, 1927 to Clarence E. Hayes and Genevieve M. Hayes. Bob attended Watertown schools until grade 9 and studied music (flute and piano) with the Sisters of St. Joseph. For grades 10, 11, & 12 Bob attended Bethlehem Central High School in Delmar, NY, graduating in 1945. He studied music and music theory at Albany Academy in Albany, NY. Bob served in the U.S. Army from 1945-1946 in the Special Service Band, playing piano and entertaining for the Officers. He also played music for injured soldiers at Tilton General Hospital, FT. Dix, NJ. Also during his time with the Army, Bob obtained the recognition of a sharpshooter. In 1947 Bob began a 3-year accelerated program at Boston University and graduated in May 1950 with a Bachelor's of Arts in Music. While at B.U. he was a friend of the famous athlete, Harry Agganis. In 1960 he received a Masters of Science from SUNY Albany in School Administration. From 1950-1964 Bob was an instrumental music teacher in the Schodack Central Schools District. From 1965 to 1976 he was the Instrumental Music Director in the Chatham Public Schools in Chatham, MA. In 2008 he received his Ph.D. in Music from Richardson University.

Bob operated various businesses on the Cape with his wife, Lacy, including Windswept ,now the Dennis Inn, with Captain Luther’s Locker, the Clearview Motel from 1964 to 1975, and the well-known Hamburger Galley from 1967-1975 with a miniature golf course. In his youth Bob also worked as a mason’s tender and on a turkey farm, located on what is now Ocean Edge in Brewster.

Bob was a life member of the American Federation of Musicians, Local 14 - Albany, NY. He was also a life member of the Phi Mu Alfa National Honor Society of Music Fraternity. From 1950 to present day Bob played piano professionally on Cape Cod and in Florida. In the 1950s he performed several times at the Cape Playhouse with people such as Sid Caesar and Jane Fonda. He performed in almost every venue on Cape Cod from Woods Hole (Woods Hole Golf Club) to Provincetown (The Moors). Bob Hayes & Society by the Sea were the house band at the Wychmere Harbor Club for many years in the 1980s.

He was considered an expert on songs from the Great American Songbook and considered himself a "melody" player as opposed to a "jazz" player. Bob played on cruise ships for 3 years including the Regent Rainbow out of Tampa, FL. He was fortunate to play with many well-known musicians including: Bob Hope, Connie Francis, Robert Goulet, Jerry Jerome, the Ink Spots, the Chordettes ("Mr. Sandman") and he also toured with the Les Elgart Orchestra. Bob was close friends with well-known Cape musicians Bobby Hackett and Dave McKenna. Bob loved playing with some of his favorite musicians on Cape including; his friends,Lou Colombo, Dick Johnson, Dennis Nobrega, Tom Glenn, and Bob's favorite drummer, his grandson, Kareem Sanjaghi. He'll be most remembered for playing piano at the Hyannis Yacht Club, where he was asked to play for one weekend in 2004 and ended up performing there for 13 years.

In 2016 Bob told the Cape Cod Times, “I always try to make sure people are leaving my performances with good feelings, and all it takes is a pretty tune or a beautiful melody and all of a sudden the customers are feeling great.”

About playing with Bob Hope: “He was quite a guy, and so easy to work for. We played ‘Sunny Side of the Street’ and ‘Every Time It Rains,’ and of course his little schtick, ‘Thanks for the Memories,” Hayes said. “The second time I played for him, in Tampa, he remembered me and he said, ‘Didn’t you just play for me on Cape Cod?’ And I said,’yes’. And he said, ‘Then you know my stuff. Don’t bother me — go home and come back for showtime.’ So that’s what I did. And, you know, he still paid me for the rehearsal and we had a great time up there. I’ll never forget it.”

“To this day I have thousands of songs in my head. I may not remember your name but I’ll remember your favorite song. For me, I chose the right career. I’m not bragging but I had the talent and I recognized it in myself and I went for it. And that’s what being driven, and going after life is all about.”

Bob was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Lacy (McCord) Hayes, and a son, Robert C. Hayes Jr. He is survived by his daughters, Catherine ( Hayes) Bell (William Bell) of Jacksonville, VT; Linda( Hayes)Sanjaghi (Mehdi Sanjaghi) of Brewster, MA, and Randi Street of Wake Forest, NC; his brother-in-law, Alexander McCord (Evelyn McCord) of Newton, NJ; his grandsons, Kyle Bell (Michelle Bell) of East Haddam, CT, Dylan Bell (Crystal Bell) of South Newfane, VT, and Kareem Sanjaghi (Sarah Sanjaghi) of Plymouth, MA. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Laci Bell and Braelyn Bell.

Friends and relatives are invited to call at the Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave., South Yarmouth this Saturday, June 17, 2017 from 2-5 p.m., on what would have been Bob's 90th birthday. A graveside service and celebration of life with music will be held at a later date.

Cathy and Linda....My condolence on the passing of your father. I grew up in Castleton and babysat for you kids. I remember your Mom when she was pregnet with Linda. Your Mom was a wonderful person. In my eyes she was "cool" and of course so was your Dad. I went to the Cape for two summers to babysit for you all. It was great. I was 12 and 13. Every day your Mom took us for a ride around he Cape. Saw your parents in the 80's on the Cape the last time. My parents and yours were friends. I have wonderful memories of your parents and Cape Cod. Again my condolences. Lynne

Cathy and Linda....So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. He was a great guy. I went to the Cape for two summers to babysit you girls and Robbie. Don't think you would remember me. Linda was still in a crib; she must have been maybe two. Those times are some of my fondest memories. I thought your Mom was wonderful. We would all go to the beach in the morning and then the lake. Afternoons your Mom took us for rides in the car. In the evening she would go to Windswept. Every Wednesday afternoon she would let me go to the afternoon performance at the Dennis Playhouse. Your Dad had the Model A or T and we loved to take a ride in it. Saw them last on the Cape in 1982 I think. Hope life is good for you both. Regards...Lynne

Rod &I are sorry for your loss. We enjoyed listening to Bob & talking to him for many years at the Hyannis Yacht Club. He was a nice man & a great musician.