Harry C. "Hoddy" Hayes, 93, formerly of 125 West St., Black River, passed February 10, 2014 at the Samaritan Keep Nursing Home where he had been a patient.

Born on October 16, 1920 in Creighton Mines, Ontario, Canada, son of Edward J. and Helen Frost Hayes, he graduted from Black River High School in 1938.

He entered the Army Air Force on September 17, 1942 and served in WWII. He received the American Service Medal, Bronze Star, Distinguished Unit Badge, European, African, Middle Eastern Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged on November 11, 1945 as a Staff Sergeant.

Upon returning home he went to the Watertown Business School of Commerce where he received a degree in accounting.

He was an accountant for Buckley Mack Trucking Co in Watertown and West Carthage for several years, Tom Gurnett Insurance and Reality Co. in Carthage and retired from J.R. Kanik Co. in Black River.

He was a member and Past Commander of the Black River American Legion, member of the Black River and Carthage VFW, a member of 9th Air Force Association and Charter Veteran Member.

Hoddy enjoyed attending yearly reunions for the 9th Air Force Association and playing the piano.

Among his survivors are a sister, Marguerite Elizabeth "Betty" Whitney, Sun City, FL; a nephew and his wife, Charles "Larry" and Nadine Stevens, Black River; several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

A brother, Edward C. Hayes and a sister, Eleanor F. "Sue" Stevens passed before him.

A funeral mass will be said 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 14 at St. Paul's Catholic Church, Black River. A prayer service will be 10:30 a.m. at the Bruce Funeral Home, Black River.

Burial with military honors will be in the spring at the Black River Cemetery.

Calling hours will be 1to 3 and 6to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb 13 at the funeral home.

Donations may be made to the Black River Ambulance Squad PO Box 314 Black River, NY 13612.

Online condolences may be at brucefh.com.