John Hayes

John Hayes, born February 4, 1956, in Carlisle, PA, passed away peacefully at home on July 12, 2026, after a courageous battle with ALS. John's life was a testament to strength, resilience, and an unwavering love for his family.

Raised by his beloved mother, John was the second youngest of five siblings. He followed in the footsteps of his mother – Lorraine V (King) Hayes, father – Mason E Hayes, and eldest brother, Donald E Hayes, who predeceased him, and remained close to his sisters, Barbara Whitmoyer of Aspers, PA and Dorothy Keiser of Tampa, FL, as well as his brother, Douglas Hayes of Dillsburg, PA.

John graduated from Bermudian Springs High School in 1974 and soon began a career that would span over four decades at PPG/Vitro of Carlisle. His dedication and work ethic were unparalleled, earning him the respect and admiration of his colleagues. Outside of work, John's heart belonged to his family and the great outdoors.

In 2015, John found his soulmate, Joan, and they married on the sandy shores of Myrtle Beach on June 7th, 2016. Over the eleven beautiful years they shared, John and Joan embarked on countless adventures, cherishing every moment together. Their love was a beacon of light to all who knew them.

John was the proud father of five children and two stepdaughters: Katana Yovich and her husband David of Wellsville, Nicole Smyser and her husband Steve of Spring Grove, Lydia Daum and her husband Mike of York Springs, Brett Hayes of Hanover, and Shane Hayes and Hope of York Springs, Jaclyn Scott and husband Jeremy of Mechanicsburg, and Jessica Morret and husband Steven (Digger) of Dillsburg. His legacy continues through his ten grandchildren and 7 step grandchildren: Cody Beard, Skylar Grim and her husband Eric, Lysander, Ellyana, Vivian, Olijah Gomez, Luke, and Lillian Smyser, Aryanna and Willow Hayes, Jackson, Jordyn, Julianna, and Baby Boy Scott due in December, Colton, Granger, and Hazel Morret and a great-grandchild, Renlee Grim. Each of them brought immense joy to his life.

An avid outdoorsman, John cherished his annual deer hunting trips to New York with his brothers, nephews, and son-in-law. Summers were spent at the beach, where the sun, sand, playing cards, and laughter of his family filled his heart with happiness. Known for his quiet, gentle demeanor, John's laughter was infectious, and his bear hugs were a source of comfort and warmth that will be sorely missed.

Memorial service to honor John's life will be held Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the Hollinger Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 501 N. Baltimore Ave, Mt. Holly Springs, PA 17065 with Rev. Richard Reese officiating. A visitation will be held from 12:30 PM until 1:00 PM. Burial will be held privately in the Evergreen Cemetery, Gettysburg. Celebration of his life will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Hospice of Central PA or Let Hope Grow, a gesture that would honor John's generous spirit and love for helping others.

John's presence in our lives was a gift, and though he has left this world, the memories and love he shared will forever remain in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.