Rev. Stuart Dale Hayes Jr., 74, of Syracuse, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on the morning of August 25, 2026, while walking his border collie, Maddie. He was just shy of his 75th birthday.

Born in Amsterdam, NY on August 28th, 1951 to parents Stuart D. Hayes, Sr. and Earleen Hayes (Countermine), he grew up in Broadalbin, NY where he spent many days playing football in the streets with friends, bicycling with his childhood dog, Ruff, obsessing over baseball, and drawing Peanuts cartoons.

He graduated from Broadalbin High School in 1969 at the top of his class. A talented musician, he loved playing the piano and composing music with his high school band, the Half Dozen and college band, The Rivels. He continued to keep in contact with and valued many of his childhood friends.

Stuart attended Hamilton College where he received a degree in religion in 1973. He then went on to receive a degree in divinity from Yale Divinity School.

Stuart began his ministerial career as the pastor of the New Hartford Presbyterian Church in New Hartford, NY. He then served as minister for the First United Presbyterian Church in Fulton, NY. Stuart continued his career as the pastor of the Irondequoit Presbyterian Church in Rochester, NY. In 1994, he moved with his family to serve as the pastor of the 1st Presbyterian Church of Baldwinsville, NY where he remained for 23 years before retiring in 2017.

After retiring, Stuart continued to preach as an interim minister at various churches around the Syracuse area. His longest interim position was at Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church where he made many wonderful connections within the congregation and community.

Stuart was an avid cyclist and led bike rides with the Onondaga Cycling Club. He frequently traveled on bicycle trips around the world. Stuart loved learning about all types of history and took pride in sharing his knowledge with others. He absolutely adored his children and was incredibly proud of their accomplishments. He especially loved being a grandfather to his new granddaughter, Alessandria.

His children will profoundly miss hearing him passionately play the piano (by ear!), whistling a good tune, sharing musical facts and stories, talking about politics, quizzing his encyclopedic knowledge of baseball, going for long walks, hearing him say "love you with my whole heart," and, most amusingly, playing the game "let's ask dad what color he thinks this is" since he was terribly color blind.

When his son was adopted and his daughters were born, he gifted each of them a unique lullaby-type song, the most beautiful he knew of at the time. He continued to sing and play these songs for his kids even into adulthood. He never missed a chance to say "I love you" or to let his children know how much they meant to him, and for that, they will always be grateful.

Surviving are his children, Jordan Hayes of Baldwinsville, NY, Rachel (Rodrigo) Arcuri of East Rochester, NY, Elizabeth (Alex Lanchantin) Hayes of Albany, NY, and their mother, Jill Hayes (Gallagher) of Baldwinsville, NY; granddaughter, Alessandria Arcuri; partner, Margo Sampson of Syracuse, NY; and his loyal, loving dog, Maddie, who never left his side.

Viewing hours will be held from 4pm-7pm on Friday, September 4, 2026 at Falardeau Funeral home in Baldwinsville, NY. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 9am at Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church in Dewitt, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Onondaga Cycling Club. To honor his memory, enjoy a beautiful, sunny, blue-sky day by walking or biking, preferably along the Erie canal.