David Leigh Hayden

David Leigh Hayden, age 81, passed away peacefully on Jan. 20, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 12, 1943 in Pittsburgh, the son of the late Robert Leigh and Theda (Farrell) Hayden. 

David grew up near Munhall on Plaport Street and bought his first house a short walk away on Little Street where he lived for 30 years. He loved taking care of his yard and lived there happily with “his girls” Alice and Beth. We were the “little people on Little Street” and gathered for many family events and dinners as we were close to the Hayden and Bergquist houses.

David graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School and Slippery Rock University. He joined the US Navy in 1965 to see the world and honorably serve his country as the communications officer on the destroyer USS Leary DD-879. David attended Officer’s Candidate School and achieved the rank of Lieutenant JG. He travelled through the Panama Canal in 1966 to the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Hong Kong and was stationed in Atsugi, Japan. He received a National Defense Service and Vietnam Service Medals. While on leave, he brought his stories and photos home and, while giving a slide show for his family, met the love of his life and wife of 55 years, Alice Bergquist. 

David worked as a social worker and counselor for the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation in downtown Pittsburgh where he helped countless people with disabilities find employment for 32 years. He was an avid runner and especially enjoyed 5K races, regularly winning his age category and collecting many trophies and awards. Dave would go running in any weather, even in a snowstorm, and would come home smiling with icicles and frost on his beard. He also loved his Siamese cats, reading, trains, and driving cars for dealer trades in his retirement. 

He was a wonderful man, loved by all who knew him and admired for his kindness and gentle nature. He was most proud of and dedicated to his family, to whom he was known as Pop-Pop. He is survived by his wife Alice and daughter Beth, her husband Patrick Bradley and grandsons Benjamin and Henry; brother Dale (Carole) Hayden of Bonita Springs, FL in addition to numerous loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and brother Robert. 

The family thanks the staff at Greene Health and Rehab for their compassionate care.

Friends and family are welcome to attend his Celebration of Life on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025 starting at 3:00 p.m. at Frederick Funeral Home, 1543 Ligonier Street, Latrobe, PA 15650. Family eulogies and military honor guard ceremony with the Blairsville Military Honor Guard will begin at 4:00 p.m. David’s final resting place will be at sea by the US Navy, where he will always have fair winds and following seas. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Action for Animals Humane Society, 386 Route 217, Latrobe, PA 15650 or your local animal shelter. To send condolences, please visit www.FrederickFuneralHome.com.