Dennis Lee Hayes, 82, of Palm City, Florida, passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord on June 23, 2026 after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Lee will be remembered for his integrity, steadfast faith, and the encouragement he offered to family, friends and colleagues. Lee served as a mentor offering career advice to many young professionals beginning their financial careers, and had a remarkable ability to make people feel valued. His quiet strength and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to have known him.

Lee was born on June 14, 1944 in New Orleans, LA to the late Arthur and Hilda Mae Hayes. He grew up in Manhasset, NY where he attended St. Mary’s schools (he was inducted into their Alumni Hall of Fame in 2009) and later on raised his family in Lloyd Harbor, NY.

After earning his MBA from New York University in 1970, Lee built a distinguished career on Wall Street spanning more than four decades. He served as National Sales Manager for Municipal Bonds at Salomon Brothers before joining Shearson/American Express and later Lehman Brothers, where he became Executive Vice President and ultimately Partner and Managing Director in the 1990s. He earned the respect of colleagues for his leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to developing those around him.

A lifetime member of the New York Athletic Club, Lee loved boxing, basketball, running and attending performances of the New York City Ballet. Active in the Inner City Scholar Fund, PAL, and the Wall Street Charity Fund, he was also proud to have served in the United States Air Force Reserves.

Lee’s great joy was his family. He is lovingly survived by his wife of 23 years, Barbara (Gula) Hayes; cherished daughters Summer Hayes and MaryMae “Winter” Hayes; stepson Jonathan Gula, daughter-in-law Ashley, and grandchildren Madison, Logan and Zoey; his dear brother Patrick Hayes; nephews Mark, Steven, Thomas and Matthew Hayes, and many beloved cousins and friends.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to his devoted caregivers Nahomie Joseph, Anderson Mabout, Annie Celestin and therapist Darlene Young, whose compassion and dedication brought comfort throughout Lee’s illness.

Arrangements include a service at 10:30 am on Tuesday, June 30 at Forest Hills Chapel, 2001 SW Murphy Road in Palm City, Florida. Visitation will be 4-7 pm on Thursday, July 2 at Fairchild Sons, 1570 Northern Blvd. in Manhasset, NY. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at St. Mary’s Church in Manhasset on Friday, July 3, at 10:15 am, followed by internment at Holy Rood Cemetery in Westbury, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mary’s High School Scholarship Fund at https://us01.l.antigena.com/l/dqU_AcOJullnCI6pq7SwHqR~mlnKUCKgiJ0JYRq~Q4KmRXhMysi-3WBM13--jEnS1bnRn8d-_EoFHOCsSMSFcEiXZUwWEKfEIj137_~l58vo8j2J8ZqDO7ldwbdg8KF3AwOsJzB1pNGBfDRnk3KG44LkzRfSXvErzGa93RyGe9cTaV1~lK (please specify scholarship in memory of Lee Hayes ‘62). For questions, contact Dr. Gerard Buckley, Principal, at gbuckley@saintmaryshs.org

“Well Done, thou Good and Faithful Servant.” ~ Matthew 25:21

Online condolences may be shared at www.foresthillspalmcityflorida.com