To the Editor:

The Hayes family would like to express their sincere thanks to all who have supported and comforted our family during our most difficult time. First and foremost, the outpouring of love from neighbors and friends –, sending words of comfort, food, etc., checking on us daily, and offering support – still continue today. Our Dorchester community is a community unlike any other, anywhere.

It is in times of tragedy and crisis when Dorchester rallies in a unique way to take any possible burden off the shoulders of the hurting. Our family is in awe of how relatives, friends, neighbors, former teammates, and many, many others reached out to tell us stories of Jimmy’s kindness, generosity, and friendly wit. Even complete strangers shared stores of how Jimmy impacted their lives and changed them for the better.

We must extend our sincerest thanks to Dorchester Youth Hockey for orchestrating such a touching and beautiful standout with all of the children from Dorchester and many other Youth Hockey organizations. It was a stunning tribute to Jimmy that we will always remember. We are so grateful for those at the O’Connor Funeral Home who went above and beyond to accommodate the outpouring of supporters and facilitate such a beautiful display at Florian Hall for Jimmy. We would like to thank the Cahill family for providing anything our family needed at Florian Hall. Also, a heartfelt thank you to the Boston Police Department whose members showed immense support to our family and the community. And a very special thank you to Number 3.

It is with mixed emotions that the Hayes and Valente families move forward. Our hearts are heavy and broken for the loss of our beautiful Jimmy, and we will never be the same. Yet, it is with the love, comfort, and support of our friends, neighbors, and our Dorchester family at large that we are slowly becoming capable of carrying on for Jimmy and his very best legacy, his wife Kristen and their beautiful babies, Beau and Mac.

Again, our heartfelt thank you to all of you.

-The Hayes Family
Dorchester