Rock Hill, SC – Charles (Chuck) Joseph Hays Jr, 83, passed away Sunday, December 15, 2024, at his home.
Chuck was born on June 14, 1941, to the late Charles Joseph Hays, Sr. and Marie Rieke Hays in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He spent the majority of his childhood on Mount Washington, overlooking the city and its three rivers. He was a graduate of St. Mary of the Mount Catholic High School, where he was elected president of the student council and captain of the basketball team. Chuck then went on to attend Duquesne University majoring in business administration and was an instrumental leader in Gamma Phi Fraternity. While at Duquesne, he met his future wife Fran Kovalovsky at a Greek theatrical collaboration. Following graduation, he enlisted in the US Marine Corp Reserves to fulfill his military obligation. In 1964, Chuck began a 37-year career with General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC), serving in numerous supervisory, management and executive positions in seven states. On July 31, 1965, Chuck and Fran were married at St Malachy Church in Coraopolis, PA. They went on to have two sons, embarking on a wonderful family life with cherished memories in locations across the East Coast and Midwest. Post-retirement, Chuck loved to play golf, was a devout churchgoer, and traveled extensively. Watching and engaging with his grandchildren as they grew, was “Pap’s” greatest joy.
He is survived by his loving wife Fran of 59 years; Two sons, Gregory (Christi) of Charlotte NC, and Kenneth (Caroline) of Springfield VA; four grandchildren, Garrett, Ryan, Finnian, and Alexandra; two sisters, Marilyn Dabkowski of Pittsburgh PA, and Joan Foutz of Chalk Hill PA.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 am on December 28, 2024 at St. Philip Neri Roman Catholic Church in Fort Mill, SC. The family will receive guests at the church starting at 10:00AM.
Condolences may be made to the Hays family at www.greenefuneralhome.net.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Vincent DePaul Society (Charitable Assistance) by contacting St Philip Neri Church Office (803) 548-7282.