Obituary: John Hayes, Of Redding Ridge, Town Planner

Information and Photo Courtesy Bouton Funeral Home

REDDING, CT — John Hayes of Redding Ridge died on Dec. 22, 2022 surrounded by loved ones at his longtime family residence. John was a Connecticut native, educated in the public school system in Waterbury, followed by the Fairfield College Preparatory School, Yale University (Class of 1954), and the Yale Graduate Program in City Planning.

Early in his career John was appointed Planning Staff Director at Gates & Ford, an architectural and planning firm in New Canaan, during which time he was responsible for the preparation of the first town plans for the towns of Southbury, Newtown and Bethel.

In the subsequent years, John took on the role of Planning and Zoning Director for the Town of Darien, during which time he developed the town’s first comprehensive town plan and oversaw numerous special studies within the region for the Southwestern Regional Planning Agency. Eventually John founded "City, Town and Regional Planning Associates,” a consulting practice specializing in land use and environmental planning.

During the course of his career, John served as planning consultant to the towns of Bethany, Easton, Weston and Redding. Several of the last projects that John worked on were the Town Plans of Conservation and Development for the towns of Easton (2007) and Redding (2008), and the creation of the Incentive Housing Plan for the town of Redding, which was adopted in 2014.

A lifelong member of St. Patrick Church, Redding, he served as lector for many years and was instrumental in facilitating a plan which ensured the preservation of the original church structure, known as Mercy Hall, when new construction was proposed in 2000. Generous with all his energy and time, John worked tirelessly on behalf of others without desire for recognition, and in 2009 he received the Saint Augustine Medal of Service, along with his wife, Florence, from the Reverend William Lori, Bishop of Bridgeport.

John was a deeply reflective leader in the field of city planning, and devoted his career to advocating for and applying smart growth development principles to protect the environment and preserve the rural essence of small towns throughout the state. All of his work was guided by a deep intellect, lifelong interest in historic preservation and appreciation for the landscape and its natural resources. John received the Leadership Award in Conservation by the town of Redding in April, 2015.

John was preceded in death by his son, Brian P. Hayes. He is survived by his wife, Florence (Hanlon) Hayes, his daughters Mary Kate Hayes of Canaan, Connecticut and Sheila (Hayes) Goffe of Smithfield, North Carolina and his grandson, Patrick Hayes of Dania Beach, Florida. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Patrick Church, Redding on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at St Mary Cemetery, Bethel. The family will receive friends at the Bouton Funeral Home, 31 West Church Street, Wilton, on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Contributions may be made, In lieu of flowers, to the Redding Land Trust, St. Patrick Church, or to the charity of your choice.