John W. Hayes, M.D., 82, of East Greenwich, passed peacefully on May 30, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born at home in Cranston, Jack was the son of the late Walter E. Hayes, M.D. and Evelyn Hayes. He was married to his beloved wife, Charlotte, for 60 years. They began their journey together as teenagers, married as recent college graduates and returned to Rhode Island to build their legacy amongst family.
Jack often recounted the joys of his childhood at Bonnet Shores beach and preached the academic rigor of his favorite school, Classical High School. After Classical, Jack earned his undergraduate degree, cum laude, from Boston College and his medical degree from McGill University School of Medicine, where he achieved the distinction of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. Jack was particularly proud of his service in the United States Navy, where he attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander while stationed at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station.
Following his Honorable Discharge from the United States Navy, Jack returned home and began his career in orthopedics under the tutelage of the late A.A. Savastano, M.D. At the urging of his longtime friend and colleague, the late Paul Poirier, M.D., Jack started his own practice in Orthopedic surgery in Warwick, at Kent Hospital, where he earned the designation of Diplomate from the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, and later served as the Chief of Orthopedics. During his time at Kent, Jack served in various capacities at the Rhode Island Medical Society, the Kent County Medical Society, the Rhode Island Orthopedic Society, Kent Hospital’s Board of Directors and Kent’s parent entity, Care New England.
Jack took great pride in overcoming the perils of alcohol addiction and, over the last half of his life, Jack found purpose in his service to the Physicians Health Committee, where he helped scores of physicians and medical professionals overcome their own struggles with alcohol and addiction.
A long-time member of Warwick Country Club, Point Judith Country Club, and the Dunes Club, Jack’s perfect day began with a very early morning round of golf with his sons, followed by an afternoon parked in a beach chair on the sand alongside his wife, daughter, and a challenging crossword puzzle, before closing the day by manning the grille outside his favorite house in Narragansett – a full “Dr. Jack” day, indeed.
In addition to Charlotte, Jack is survived by his children, Jack, Jr. and his wife, Bridget, his daughter, Suzanne and her husband, Chet Trossman, and his son, Steven and his wife, Julie, and his much-loved grandchildren, Kathryn, Elizabeth, Matthew, Thomas, and Michael. He also leaves behind a brother, Brian E. Hayes, of Virginia, and a sister-in-law, Anne Greason, of Narragansett.
Calling hours and flowers are respectfully omitted. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 4th at 12:30 p.m., at St. Gregory the Great Roman Catholic Church, 360 Cowesett Rd, Warwick. Burial will be private. To share memories and condolences, please visit www.TheQuinnFuneralHome.com.
