Thomas Irving Hayden

Thomas Irving Hayden, PhD of West Chester, OH passed away on November 20th, 2024, at the age of 88. Tom was born December 2, 1935, in Cincinnati, OH, to the late Frank and Eleanor Hayden. Tom attended St. Martins school in Cheviot where he met Jeanne Benz, who became the love of his life. He graduated from Elder High School (53) and then served his country as a member of the US Army, stationed in Heidelberg Germany. Following his time in the service he took advantage of the GI Bill and attended the University of Cincinnati, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree from the School of Pharmacy. He continued his education at Xavier University where he received a Master’s degree in Education and followed that up with a PhD from Miami University. Tom began his professional career as a pharmacist and transitioned into education as a teacher, principal and professor. His career included various teaching and administrative jobs in the Cincinnati, Dayton and Columbus areas, and he served as the Director of Community Education for the State of Ohio in the late 70’s. After serving as assistant Superintendent for the West Carrollton City Schools he accepted the job as Superintendent of the Lakota Local School District. Upon his retirement as an educator and administrator Tom worked as an advisor in the private sector and was elected to serve as a West Chester Township Trustee. 

Tom was known for his community involvement. He was a founding member and past president of SAY Soccer of Cincinnati. He coached youth sports, got involved with his church, was active in community theater, and enjoyed the time he and his wife spent with their children and grandchildren. He looked forward to family gatherings and meeting regularly with friends at the what he called his weekly Old Farts Lunch.  

Tom is survived by Jeanne Ann Hayden, his beloved wife of 65 years, and his children, Tim (Cindy) Hayden, Denise (John) Siegel, and Kathy (Todd) Forman. And his grandchildren, Joe (Kelly) Hayden, Emma Siegel, Maia and Tess Forman, and one great grandchild, Lyla Hayden (daughter of Joe and Kelly). He is also survived by his sister Claire LoBuono along with numerous cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by three of his children, Gerard,Geraldine, and Diane. And by his sister Ann (Tony) Haas, his brother James Hayden, his grandchildren Jeffrey and Jennifer Hayden, along with his father and mother in-law Sylvester and Helen Benz.

Visitation will be held at St John’s the Evangelist Catholic Church located at 9080 Cincinnati-Dayton Rd., West Chester, OH 45069, between 10:00am – 11:00am on Monday, December 2, 2024, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

The Cure Starts Now Foundation – JTHF Chapter, in honor of his grandson Jeffrey Thomas Hayden, at 10280 Chester Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45215 or click the link below https://p2p.thecurestartsnow.org/2931

Breakthrough T1D - Formerly JDRF, PO Box 5021 Hagerstown MD 21741-5021. Breakthrough T1D is an accredited 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency. A receipt will be provided via e-mail for your charitable contribution, or Click the link below https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/Donation2?2376.donation=form1&df_id=2376&mfc_pref=T

Sleep in Heavenly Peace, PO Box 54536, Cincinnati, OH 45254 or click the link below https://elderserves.org/shpcincye/