Linda Jane (D'Amato) Hayes

Linda Jane D’Amato Hayes, 65, passed away on August 10, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer. Linda was born in Norwalk on February 9, 1956 to the late John Vincent and Geraldine (Mead) D’Amato. In addition to her mother, Linda leaves behind her loving daughter (Caitlin Hayes), her brother (John “Skip” D’Amato), her long-time companion (Jim Straub), her niece (Jaime D’Amato Hansen) and husband (Robert Hansen), her nephew (Michael D’Amato) and grandniece (Stella D’Amato). In addition to her father, Linda was predeceased by her spouse, Rick (Rachelle) Hayes.

After graduating from Brien McMahon HS in 1974, Linda attended Gibbs College in Norwalk. She worked at several local companies including The Hour, Stepping Stones Museum for Children, The Norwalk Museum, the Danbury News-Times, Fox-Rich Textiles, Inc. and the Republican-American newspaper in Waterbury. Linda was also Co-Director of Celebrate the Past, Inc. and Producer/historical researcher of Emerald Dragon Productions.

In her spare time, Linda loved watching old movies, listening to bluegrass music and was very passionate about reading, writing and researching history. She was an experienced producer and developer of events, festivals, fundraisers, craft shows and concerts. She was especially proud of her work as Assistant to the Curator of the Norwalk Museum; Entertainment Chair of the annual Norwalk Harbor Splash! Festival; Chairman of the Norwalk 350th Anniversary Parade committee; and Co-Director of the Norwalk Patriot Days.

Services will be private at a later date. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society