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Obituary for Thomas G. Haffner
Thomas G. Haffner, 95, of Catasauqua, passed away on February 1, 2021 at Fellowship Manor in Whitehall. Born February 22, 1925 in Fullerton, Tom was the son of the late Aaron and Violet (Bickert) Haffner. Tom was the husband of Doris (Miller) Haffner, celebrating 62 years of marriage.
Tom was a 1943 graduate of Whitehall High School. He enlisted into the US Army Air Corps during WW II. He served as a Tail Gunner on a B-17 Bomber plane in the 15th Army Air Corps in the European Theater, stationed in Foggia, Italy. After completing 30 missions from 1943-1945, Tom returned home to the states. He attended Millersville State College on the GI Bill, where he earned his degree in Industrial Arts Education in 1950. Tom’s tenure as an Industrial Arts teacher spanned 30-plus years, teaching in Wilson Boro briefly, and continuing with students in his “Wood Shop” for many years at Trexler Middle School in the Allentown School District. Tom retired from ASD in 1987.
Tommy enjoyed boating, water skiing, bowling, camping, playing cards, and enjoying friends and family by his pool. He traveled to many interesting world destinations with Doris, though he always enjoyed many a beach vacation in Jersey as well. He was an enthusiastic golfer and was especially proud of his Hole-in-One at Upper Perkiomen Golf Course. He rarely said “no” to a good cup of coffee, a strong Manhattan, or an exciting game of chance. One of his many favorite personal mantras was, “The more you give, the more you get,” and his easy smile and giving nature was a daily testimony to his generosity towards others with his time, talents, and treasures.
Tom was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Catasauqua. He was also a proud Mason, Porter Lodge #284 in Catasauqua, and a member of the American Legion in Fullerton. Thomas was honored as a “Hometown Hero” by the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in March 2017.
In addition to his wife, Doris, Tom is survived by two daughters, Terry Ritter (Barry) and Susan Bocian (Blaze); four grandchildren, Ryan Ritter (Samantha), Scott Ritter (Erin), Zachariah Bocian (Nicole Kromer), and Veronica Bocian (Kathleen Oswalt); and six great-grandchildren, Mia, Dylan, Boedy, and Harley Ritter and Layla and Blaze Bocian. He was preceded in death by his brother Herbert Haffner in 1954. A special thanks to Family Pillars Hospice for their compassionate care.
Contributions in memory of Thomas can be made to the Presbyterian Church of Catasauqua Memorial Fund, 201 Pine Street, Catasauqua PA 18032. Due to COVID restrictions, a Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.
Brubaker Funeral Home, Inc. of Catasauqua is honored to handle the arrangements.
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Tom was a 1943 graduate of Whitehall High School. He enlisted into the US Army Air Corps during WW II. He served as a Tail Gunner on a B-17 Bomber plane in the 15th Army Air Corps in the European Theater, stationed in Foggia, Italy. After completing 30 missions from 1943-1945, Tom returned home to the states. He attended Millersville State College on the GI Bill, where he earned his degree in Industrial Arts Education in 1950. Tom’s tenure as an Industrial Arts teacher spanned 30-plus years, teaching in Wilson Boro briefly, and continuing with students in his “Wood Shop” for many years at Trexler Middle School in the Allentown School District. Tom retired from ASD in 1987.
Tommy enjoyed boating, water skiing, bowling, camping, playing cards, and enjoying friends and family by his pool. He traveled to many interesting world destinations with Doris, though he always enjoyed many a beach vacation in Jersey as well. He was an enthusiastic golfer and was especially proud of his Hole-in-One at Upper Perkiomen Golf Course. He rarely said “no” to a good cup of coffee, a strong Manhattan, or an exciting game of chance. One of his many favorite personal mantras was, “The more you give, the more you get,” and his easy smile and giving nature was a daily testimony to his generosity towards others with his time, talents, and treasures.
Tom was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Catasauqua. He was also a proud Mason, Porter Lodge #284 in Catasauqua, and a member of the American Legion in Fullerton. Thomas was honored as a “Hometown Hero” by the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in March 2017.
In addition to his wife, Doris, Tom is survived by two daughters, Terry Ritter (Barry) and Susan Bocian (Blaze); four grandchildren, Ryan Ritter (Samantha), Scott Ritter (Erin), Zachariah Bocian (Nicole Kromer), and Veronica Bocian (Kathleen Oswalt); and six great-grandchildren, Mia, Dylan, Boedy, and Harley Ritter and Layla and Blaze Bocian. He was preceded in death by his brother Herbert Haffner in 1954. A special thanks to Family Pillars Hospice for their compassionate care.
Contributions in memory of Thomas can be made to the Presbyterian Church of Catasauqua Memorial Fund, 201 Pine Street, Catasauqua PA 18032. Due to COVID restrictions, a Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.
Brubaker Funeral Home, Inc. of Catasauqua is honored to handle the arrangements.
To plant a tree in memory of Thomas G. Haffner, visit the Tribute Store.
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