Robert L. (Al) Hayes, 73, of Leonardtown Maryland, passed away March 25, 2014 at the St. Mary's Hospice House in Callaway Maryland, surrounded by family and friends after a courageous battle with heart disease.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, on 18 June, 1940, he was the son of the late Frank Hayes, Sr., and Jeannette Hayes.

Al is survived by his beautiful and loving wife of 50 years, Elizabeth (Betty) Robison Hayes of Leonardtown Maryland; brothers Frank J. Hayes, Jr., James T. Hayes and his wife Cindy of Michigan; his nephew Al Norris of Danville California; and nieces, Autumn Hayes, Robin Hayes, Julie Rombach, Patty Kline and Lorrie Schmidt of Michigan, Marlo Hayes of Texas; and many grand nieces and nephews in Maryland and Michigan.

In addition to his parents, Al is predeceased by his brother Richard Hayes of Michigan and niece Robin Keller, wife of Charlie Keller of Waldorf, Maryland.

Al was a United States Navy veteran, serving proudly with his brothers of Patrol Squadron 44. After his faithful military service, Al worked for the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship - Paul Hall Center, in Piney Point Maryland, as the grounds supervisor and mentor to young men, where he retired with over 29 years of dedicated service.

Al was a loving husband, a brother to his shipmates, and a caring friend to many. He loved to travel, visit his favorite casino with Betty, and attend his squadron reunions. He was an avid outdoorsman, gardener and antique collector. One of his favorite joys was having a good time; and no matter what the situation, he always did. Al was a true inspiration to the people he met and always had a kind word for others. He loved life and lived his to the fullest. Al will always be remembered for his dry wit, honesty, equality for all, and his strong belief in unionism.

The family will receive friends for Al's Life Celebration on Sunday, March 30, 2014 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, Maryland 20650 with prayers being recited at 4:00 p.m. by Father Scott Woods. A graveside service will be held on Monday, March 31, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at the Charles Memorial Gardens, 26325 Point Lookout Road, Leonardtown, MD. The funeral procession will assemble in the Brinsfield Funeral Home parking lot at 9:30 a.m. Pallbearers will be his brothers of Patrol Squadron 44, Jeff Snavely, Richard Nevala, Robert Groat, and Roy Veach.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House of St. Mary's, Inc., P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements provided by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, Maryland.