Francis B. 'Binky' Hayden

NORTH BROOKFIELD-Frank “Binky” Hayden, 66, formerly of Rutland, died peacefully on Sunday, September 7, 2014 at Saint Vincent Hospital, Worcester following a period of declining health. Frank was born in Holden, son of the late Francis B. and Lorena E. (Fitzpatrick) Hayden. He was raised in Rutland and attended Wachusett Regional High School. As a young man, he possessed a knowledge and love of cars that helped him build his own Model A Ford from pieces. Frank then proudly served his country as a Marine during the Vietnam War, earning a Purple Heart with three Oak Leaf Clusters. Following his discharge and return to the area, Frank went to work for the former Metropolitan District Commission, now the DCR, where he retired as the motor foreman for the Wachusett/Sudbury District. “Binky”, as he was affectionately known by family and friends, was also very active in veterans’ affairs. From working with vets who needed assistance with benefits or services, to raising funds for care, as well as proudly marching in his uniform at the annual Memorial Day parades, he was always there to assist. He was a past member of the Albert Prouty Post, VFW in North Brookfield, where he was a Past Commander, and currently was a member of the Ovila Case Post, VFW in Gardner and served as the District 11 Commander for the State VFW. One of his favorite activities, along with help from his family, was cooking for the annual holiday meal for veterans in the Winchendon/ Gardner area. Frank was a member of the Royal Order of the Purple Heart. To Frank, relationships with family and friends meant everything. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, hunting, camping with the family and playing golf, and was longtime member of the Rutland Sportsman’s Club. Frank also enjoyed visiting their family camp in Northern Maine for many years.



He leaves his wife and loving companion of 17 years, Ardith S. (Smith) Hayden; his three children, Kristina “Tina” Greenfield and her husband, Matthew of Rutland, Jeremy Hayden of Rutland and Jason Hayden and his fiancée, Jodi Sund of Baldwinville; his three grandchildren, the light of his eyes, Owen, Chloe and Isabel; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Michael and Patrick Hayden.



Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Frank’s family on Wednesday, September 10, from 5-8 p.m. at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A funeral service celebrating his life will then be held on Thursday, September 11, at 11 a.m., in the funeral home followed by burial with military honors in Rural Cemetery, Rutland. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Department of MA VFW, State House Room 546-1, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02133 and indicate “State Commander’s Special Project 2014-15” in the memo line.

To share a memory or offer an online condolence to Frank's family, please visit the "guest book" on our site.