Judge Ernest S Hayeck

Retired Trial Court Judge Ernest S Hayeck, 97, of Worcester, passed away unexpectedly in his home Sunday, November 28^th, 2021.

Judge Hayeck was born June 20, 1924, in Lowell, MA., one of three sons of Lebanese parents Spero and Florence (Garzouzi) Hayeck. He graduated from North High School and enrolled in Worcester Polytechnical Institute earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and physics. Ernest then joined the U.S. Navy serving his country proudly during World War II.  Upon discharge and return to Worcester, Judge Hayeck earned his master’s degree in chemistry and physics from Boston University, class of 1950. Then taught Chemistry at Stonehill College from 1950 to 1953. Upon the death of his younger brother, Albert S. Hayeck, who was an attorney, Judge Hayeck left teaching and enrolled in Boston University Law School, earning his Juris Doctorate in 1955. The Judge then began a career in a field he genuinely loved,  “The Law.”  He started his own law practice from 1955 to 1970, and then was appointed to the Bench by Governor Francis Sargent. He spent 23 years serving the citizens of the Commonwealth as a member of the Trial Court before taking early retirement in 1993.  Judge Hayeck served as a faculty member and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the National Judicial College. After leaving the bench, he was a member of the Advisory Board for the St Jude Children’s Research Hospital and joined the Board of Directors of Wendy’s International Corporation. Judge Hayeck retired in his early 90’s from all positions to enjoy life with the “love of his life” Sophia (Chioles) Hayeck at their home in The Lakes, Nevada.  They were married in 1969 and spent the next 52 years devoted to one another.

Judge Hayeck was persistently active in his community and nationally for all things law, with his legal expertise, knowledge, and involvement. He was a National Lecturer on the law of evidence/search and seizure and the fourth amendment to the U.S. Constitution.  Founder and organizer for the First National Conference of the Judiciary on rights of victims, and on jail and prison overcrowding at the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada; member of the Board of Governors National Hispanic Bar Association, Chair and member of the Massachusetts Jury of Six Committee, Chair and member of the American Bar Association National Conference of Special Court Judges, Chair of the Judicial Administration Division of the American Bar Association, American Bar Association Judicial Administration Task Force on Minorities in the Judiciary, member of the Massachusetts Jury Management Advisory Committee, Member and chairman for 17 years of the Massachusetts District Court Committee on Judicial Education, member of Worcester, Boston, Massachusetts, Asian, National, Hispanic and American Bar Associations.  

Judge Hayeck was devoted to his Eastern Orthodox faith and his church. He was instrumental in the establishment, architecture, design, and construction of building St. George Orthodox Cathedral in its present location on Anna Street. He also served as an Incorporator and board member of the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, serving the needs of the less fortunate individuals in Worcester and surrounding areas. He was a member of the American Antiquarian Society, the US Supreme Court Historical Society, the Worcester Club, and a trustee of Mechanics Hall. Judge Hayeck was recognized many times for his service and knowledge; some of the more notable awards include the Franklin N. Flaschner Judicial Award as the Nation’s Outstanding Judge by the American Bar Association and the WPI Robert Goddard Award for Outstanding Achievement. Added to his academic achievements, include an Honorary degree from Suffolk University School of Law, and the Anna Maria Doctor of Laws degree. Beyond his legal achievements, Judge Hayeck enjoyed, scuba diving, fishing, Semitic Philology, Etymology, teaching and alternative methods of dispute resolution. Judge Hayeck spoke five languages fluently including Arabic, Hebrew, French, Spanish and German.

Ernest is survived by his wife Sophia; his beloved nephew that he considered a son, Michael Hayeck, his wife Paula and their sons, John, and Michael; Close cousins, Dr. Ernest Shawyri, and Rita Somi and their families. In addition to his parents, two brothers, Albert and George Hayeck predeceased him.

Friends, relatives, and associates are invited to attend calling hours, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, from 4 pm to 7 pm at St George Orthodox Cathedral and again Monday, Dec. 6, from 9:45 to 10:45 followed by his funeral service at 11 am in St George Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Anna St. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in his name can be made to St George Orthodox Cathedral Endowment fund, 30 Anna Street or the Greater Worcester Community Foundation,  370 Main St, Suite 650, Worcester, MA 01608 , www.greaterworcester.org  The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to assist the family with arrangements.