SMETHPORT — Leo E. Hayes, 81, of Lewis Run passed away Sunday (Aug. 31, 2025) at Olean (N.Y.) General Hospital.

He was born Jan. 13, 1944, in Bradford, a son of Arthur and Bertha Munn Hayes.

Leo was a 1961 graduate of Bradford High School and earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English education from IUP.

He served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam.

Mr. Hayes worked as a painter for many years and was a member of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), as well as Local Union 110 and Erie 549.

Leo was a member of American Legion Bucktail Post 138 and VFW Post 2497, both of Smethport. He was a lifetime member of the NRA and a member of the Bradford Pistol Club.

He is survived by two sons, Arthur Hayes of Allegany, N.Y., and Andrew Hayes of Olean; grandchildren Michael, Abigail, Landon and Nora Hayes; one sister, Elsie Robertson of Bradford; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Leo was preceded in death by two brothers.

In keeping with Leo’s wishes, there will be no visitation or services.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to your local fire department.

Arrangements are under direction of Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes Inc. Online condolences may be made at hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.