John Hendry Hay

On March 9, 2024, Heaven gained an angel. John was born in Newark, NJ on June 13, 1933. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. John honorably served in the United States Navy and was a proud veteran. He was also a member of the American Legion. John married his beloved wife of 62 years, Ruth Claire Mueller on September 24, 1955, and were married until her death in 2018.

They relocated their family from West Keansburg to Toms River, NJ in 1973. John worked for Gibson Associates until his retirement in 1986. He had an incredible work ethic and instilled that in his children. John and Ruth were active politically and were members of the St. Andrews United Methodist Church in Toms River.

After their children had grown, John and Ruth relocated to Palm Bay, Florida. After several business ventures, John wanted to continue to serve his community and worked at the Brevard Zoo. He had a desire to teach and drove the train at the Brevard Zoo to educate young riders and their parents. He was an animal lover and was a lifetime animal rescuer.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife Ruth and daughters Laura Lee and Deborah Lynn. He is survived by his sons Douglas Arthur, Christopher John, Michael Lee and Reginald S; granddaughters, Tamera, Laura, Rebecca, Krystina and Zoe; grandsons, D.J., Trenton, Carter and Reilly; several great-grandchildren; sibling George Hay and many extended family and friends.

John was cremated and will be buried at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, Florida along with the ashes of his beloved wife Ruth. This beautiful couple united in life and reunited in the afterlife. A memorial service with full military honors at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery with be provided at a later date.