ELLSWORTH -- Jonathan Tatum Hayes, the much-loved first child of Anne and Leonidas Hayes, died in his sleep at his home in Ellsworth on May 5, 2018, with his brother and sister-in-law by his side. He was 64 years old and had Down syndrome.

Born in Philadelphia, Pa., on June 19, 1953, Jon was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his brother Bob, (Chris Rusnov), his sisters Loie (Julie Ogletree) of Boston, Mass., Julie (Norm Duphily) of Auburn, Susie (Tom Cappiello) of Palmer, Alaska, and Sarah (Mark Dehler), of Ottawa, Ontario, as well as 10 nephews and nieces, and his aunt Marguerite Cackley of Voorheesville, N.Y.

A resident of Ellsworth for 47 years, Jon was a proud community member who loved socializing, sharing a big smile and a strong handshake with people he met and offering bear hugs to closer acquaintances, friends and family. Throughout his adult life Jon enjoyed music, learning to read with many dedicated tutors, competing in Special Olympics, celebrating milestones with family and friends and serving as a greeter and usher at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

Jon grew up with his five younger siblings in Chester Springs, Pa., a small rural community near Philadelphia. Jon, along with his siblings, attended the Charlestown Playhouse, a parent co-op preschool dedicated to child-centered learning. His parents countered the common advice of that era to institutionalize individuals with intellectual disabilities and instead supported Jon in being welcomed and “mainstreamed” within his early learning environments and community activities.

Shortly following the family’s move to Ellsworth from Pennsylvania in 1971, Anne worked with other parents in the region to start swimming lessons for disabled children. In 1974, the group worked to establish a sheltered workshop in Otter Creek, where Jon and a number of other adults with intellectual disabilities found employment building an assortment of wood-based products, and formed lifelong friendships. The workshop would go on to support the development of Downeast Horizons. Through Downeast Horizons Jon also worked at a variety of establishments within Ellsworth including many years at The Ellsworth American.

Jon will be remembered by the Ellsworth community for his smile and enthusiasm, his many accomplishments at Special Olympics, impersonating his favorite television program characters effectively to elicit laughs, and finding a new book or treasured item during a visit to the thrift store or a yard sale.

Jon’s was fortunate to have had many loving caretakers supporting him and his roommate in his living arrangements with Downeast Horizons. As a family we offer special thanks to all those involved in his care.

A celebration of Jon’s life will take place on Saturday, July 28, 2018, at 2 p.m. at Jordan-Fernald 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jon’s memory may be made to Downeast Horizons, 77 Union St., Ellsworth, ME 04605.