Marcus Hayes: Edward Donald Hayes Jr., 84, active in his church

EDWARD DONALD Hayes Jr. was famous in his family and his church for his delicious baked goods.

Not many family gatherings or church events went by without his pies and cakes gracing the dining tables.

"He made a mean chocolate cake," said his niece Valerie Hayes. "He never had children of his own, but he was active in the lives of his nieces and nephews. They called him 'Uncle June.' "

Edward Hayes, a 28-year city employee, active church member and devoted family man who took care of everyone and kept them laughing with his rich sense of humor, died Aug. 23 of congestive heart failure. He was 84 and lived in West Philadelphia.

Edward began his city employment as a clerk in the Revenue Department, then known as the Collections Department, in 1955.

He transferred to the Department of Records in January 1967 and that October was promoted to service representative, the position he held until his retirement on Dec. 2, 1983.

Edward was a longtime member of the Episcopal Church of St. Andrew and St. Monica, where he was active in several ministries, including the Vestry.

For years, he provided meals for the Bible Study Group, feeding the priests and church members.

"He cared deeply about the well-being of others and was very active in outreach ministries," his family said.

He was a lifelong member of the Men's Fellowship and sang in the church choir.

"The church was in his heart until his last days," his family said. "He took care of his family and not only opened up his home, but his heart as well."

Uncle June never forgot a birthday and was there for graduations and other important events in the lives of his nieces and nephews.

"He loved his family," his niece said. "He was very funny. He always had a snappy retort for you."

Edward was born in Philadelphia the fourth of the 10 children of Edward Donald Hayes Sr. and the former Mildred Mae Dorsey. He graduated from Overbrook High School and worked briefly for Horn & Hardart before joining the city government.

Services: Funeral Mass 10 a.m. Friday at the Church of St. Andrew & St. Monica, 3600 Baring St. Friends may call at 8 a.m.