Grant T. Hayden

Grant Thomas Hayden, 79, of Shelton, CT passed away unexpectedly on May 2, 2022 at Lord Chamberlain Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Stratford, CT after a brief illness from complications of an injury.  Grant was born in Haverhill, MA on February 8, 1943.

Grant grew up in Bradford, MA and Seabrook Beach, NH, the oldest of 8 siblings and the beloved son of Charles H. and Marguerite F. Hayden.  Grant was passionate about people, and prioritized his family, friends and business associates.  He had a kind and gentle nature, set an example of core values, and demonstrated love and leadership throughout his life. 

Grant was a self-made man who carved his career in the building supply industry, culminating in his final role as Branch Manager of ABC Supply Company, in Waterbury CT, where he was acknowledged as a National Managing Partner, having mentored and provided opportunities for numerous employees and co-workers.  People traveled from across the country to honor him at his retirement in 2016, after 25 years of dedicated service.

Grant leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Virginia (Ruocco) Hayden, of Bradford MA, and Shelton CT, who was the love of his life.  His survivors also include two daughters, Gina Hayden and her spouse, Carole Selner of New Burn, NC and Gretchen Hayden of Shelton, CT; his grandson, Michael Grant Gilligan and his wife Brittany Dutch; two brothers, Mark Hayden and his wife Margot (Arndt) Hayden, Thomas Hayden and his wife Marian (Conley) Hayden; three sisters, Andrea (Hayden) DiGulio and her predeceased husband, Anthony DiGuilio, Robin Hayden, and Gail Hayden; as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents and two brothers, Robert Hayden and Charles Hayden; and a grandson, Cameron Gilligan.

Grant loved a good story and made a lasting impression on numerous people over the course of his life.  His final words to his brother Tom on the day of his passing were, “Tell everyone I love them, pass it on”.