Services For Paul Hayes Sr., Ex-Brick Housing Authority Chair

BRICK, NJ — Funeral services have been set for Paul Thomas Hayes Sr., who served Brick Township in several roles, including 27 years on the Brick Housing Authority. Mr. Hayes, who died Dec. 6, was 78.

According to his obituary on the Colonial Funeral Home website, Mr. Hayes also was known as "Mr. Christmas" for the outstanding annual Christmas display he, his wife and family have done for more than 30 years on Van Zile Road in Brick, which delights adults and children of all ages.

He was born Dec. 20, 1938, in West Long Branch to Thomas and Letha (Hulick) Hayes, and was a decorated petty officer in the United States Coast Guard Reserve, and a past captain of the Brick First Aid Squad. He also was the founder and CEO of Metro Associates LLC/Paul Hayes Management Co., and managed many residential and professional condos and retirement communities in Ocean County.

Mr. Hayes served on the Brick Township Planning Board, including as its chairman, for a number of years and then became a commissioner on the Brick Housing Authority, where he served for 27 years, many of those as its chairman. He was named Chairman of the Year by NAHRO, a state organization of Housing Authorities.

Mr. Hayes realized a lifelong dream when he was ordained a minister by Universal Ministries. He also was a director of the Brick Chamber of Commerce and served as its chaplain, was the emcee for the Little Miss and Mr. Brick Township contests; was a past president of the Congress of Concerned Citizens, a past president of Brick Water Watch; and a founding director of the Community Associations Institute, New Jersey Chapter. He was an avid Yankees fan and enjoyed collecting and racing antique cars, and served treasurer of the Prestige Antique Automobile Club and of the Garden State Stock Car Club. Mr. Hayes also was a Freemason.

Mr. Hayes was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Robert Hayes. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Mary Anne Butler; his daughters, Joanne Sullivan and husband Martin of Forked River, and Judith Pascale and husband David of Toms River; sons Thomas Hayes, and Paul Hayes Jr. and wife Colleen of Brick; his former wife, Caroline Hayes of Brick; his sister-in-law Anna Hayes of Florida; his brother-in-law John Stellabotte Sr. of Colorado, and his grandchildren, Samantha Sullivan, Eric Sullivan, Tyler Hayes, Trey Hayes, David Pascale and Kelly Pascale; a loving nephew, John Stellabotte Jr. and his wife Rachel and their son Tylen Jon, and many wonderful cousins and friends.

"Paul was known for his kindness, generosity, and love for Brick Township. He will be greatly missed by his loving family, dear friends, and his beloved cats Harley and Daisy," his family said.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Colonial Funeral Home, 2170 Route 88, Brick. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Brick, followed by interment at Glenwood Cemetery, West Long Branch. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.colonialfuneralgroup.com.

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