LEON JOHN HAYDEN's Obituary
Leon John Hayden, 92, of Miami, FL passed peacefully on November 29, 2017 with loving family members at his side. Leon was a “man’s man” and his life was a testament to faithfully servicing Jesus, Family and Country. He was born to the late Jennie O’Neill Caffrey and Charles M. Hayden in South Bound Brook, NJ. Leon could not attend his final year of high school since, he was drafted into the United States Navy on January 21, 1944 and was immediately sent to serve in the Pacific as a Seaman First Class USN-I in WWII. He served proudly for his country as did his father in WWI. Leon was present near Japan at the end of the war and was Honorably Discharged on February 23, 1946. His medals from service include, “American Theater Medal”, “Asiatic-Pacific Medal”, and “Victory Medal”. In the meantime, he was presented with his diploma from Gloucester City High School, NJ on June 15, 1944.
On his way back from California, Leon worked as an accountant in Arizona, lived in Massachusetts earlier in his life and later in Kentucky at Fort Knox. He soon moved to Miami to live near his sister, Beatrice Maimone who’s family was in construction. He worked as a Tile Setter in Miami until his retirement in 1990. He was a member of the Bricklayers, Masons and Plasterers’ International Union of America. Much of his work in construction such as terrazzo floors can be seen at the Art Deco hotels on Miami Beach. Leon retired for about 24 hours and upon the suggestion of his daughter, Chrissy, went back to work at Home Depot. Leon was well-loved by his colleagues and always willing to help them. With this secondary income, he was able to be self-supportive, upgraded his home and had excellent personal caregivers.
Leon met Regina Baker, his wife of 55 years, in downtown Miami and soon moved to the Westchester area of Miami where they raised five children, several attending St. Brendan and Lourdes Academy, and Columbus High School. They often attended early service there as physically possible and enjoyed singing. “Coach” Hayden was a devoted family man, not only to his family but many others. He coached baseball at Tropical Park for 16 years and was only thrown out of one game for arguing with an umpire. Leon was independent nearly his entire life, living in the same home that he built, since 1958.
Leon was always prepared to help his family. When his wife wanted to go back and finish her degree at the University of Miami, he drove her back and forth and stayed at the school while she was in class. However, this caused a great competitive atmosphere as one son graduated from Florida State. Leon was also by her side every day driving from Westchester to the nursing home near Jackson Hospital to console her. He also was at their bedside when his brothers and sister were ill.
Leon and his wife enjoyed traveling to Rhode Island and CT to see children and grandchildren. They also enjoyed visits to Vermont.
Leon had several “lives” in that he was a Baptist Hospital Champion after surviving a case of sepsis in 2010. Leon’s wife, Regina passed in 2008. His son, Stephen, passed in 2006. He is survived by his sons, Robert Michael Hayden, David Scott Hayden; his daughters Christiane Foderick, Jennine Gialopsos, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Services will be held Monday, December 4, at 10:30 a.m. at the Van Orsdel Funeral Home at 11240 SW 88th Street in Miami, FL 33176. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Nicklaus Childrens’ Hospital in Miami, FL.
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