Steve Hayes

Steve Hayes departed this life on Feb. 19, 2020 to live forever with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.   He was born in Pittsburgh, PA, the son of the late Leslie and Doris (Drew) Hayes.   A 28-year resident of Lemont, PA, he spent the past two winter seasons enjoying time at the ocean, a place which gave him great joy.

Steve was educated in the Pittsburgh public school district and was a national honor student at Schenley High School.  He attended Waynesburg College for a year before transferring to The Pennsylvania State University, where he earned a BA in General Arts and Sciences. 

 At an early age, Steve was introduced to God and church by his mother and grandfather.  It was his mother who wisely took him to church, and it was his grandfather who introduced him to Jesus Christ.  Steve was a faithful youth member of Brushton United Methodist Church for many years being involved in youth ministry, choir, outreach and ushers.  After college, he and Patricia were among the original members of what is now called Unity Church of Jesus Christ.  Steve was ordained a deacon of the church in the late seventies and later served as an elder.  He also faithfully served the church as executive committee board member, campus ministry overseer, and administrator, as well as in many other capacities.  He retired from the Office of Human Resources at Pennsylvania State University after 26 years of diversity-centered service.  He was also a co-coordinator of the South Hills/Penn State student Internship Partnership.  He was the recipient of the Pennsylvania State University James Robinson Equal Opportunity Award and the Way Paver Award. 

In addition to his Penn State service, Steve served his community as co-founder of the State College Community Resource Fair, board of director for the United Way, as a graduate of Leadership Centre County, and as community disc jockey for WPSU gospel radio.

 Steve loved his family dearly and reached out to others in his own private and compassionate way.  He was willing to help when asked and always desired to make a difference. Steve was a person who stood in your corner when needed. 

Steve is survived by his college sweetheart and wife of 44 years, Patricia (Jessie); son, Ryan (Andrea); daughters April Anthony, (Alexis, Jr.) and Alyta Abdullah (G. Andre Abdullah); mother, Doris Frazier; brother, Michael Hayes (Mary Hayes); sisters Linda Hayes and Janet Hayes; 7 grandchildren and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Steve was preceded in death by his and stepfather, Samuel Frazier.

Family and friends will be received from 10:30 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Feb. 29 at Unity Church of Jesus Christ, 2280 Commercial Blvd., State College, PA.  Service to follow at noon. Burial is private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Unity Christian Campus Ministry or Lighthouse Young Adult Ministry at Unity Church of Jesus.  An online guestbook may be signed at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com

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