Robert Anthony Haas passed away unexpectedly from a broken heart during the early morning hours of Monday (December 26, 2011) after sharing one last Christmas with his dear family. Robert was predeceased only two weeks earlier by his loving wife and best friend of the past 48 years, Jean Ann Haas. Robert was born May 11, 1937. Following his graduation from East Hartford High School in 1955, Robert enlisted with the United States Marine Corps and proudly served from 1957 until his honorable discharge in 1963. It was in the Corp that Robert met his longtime and loyal best friend, Sgt. Gary Hayes, of Lake Havasu City, AZ, with whom he would often travel with on rides with his Indian motorcycle. Robert was predeceased by his father and mother, William and Adele Haas, and a brother, William Haas, Jr. Robert was a dedicated and devoted father to his five children, John Robert, Michael Anthony, Michelle Marie, Deborah Jean and Ann-Marie, who worked tirelessly to support and provide for his family. At the tender age of 12, Robert worked in a chocolate factory and followed that with jobs in the tobacco and construction fields until his calling as an Assessor with the City of Hartford, from which he retired in 1993. As the family patriarch, Robert always placed his family at the forefront of all he did and took to heart his responsibility to provide for them, long working two jobs, as well as caring for his mother after the passing of his father and brother. Robert will be remembered with fondness for his willingness to help others in need, for being the foundation on which his family could rely, and for the countless number of times he would be the source of strength to guide his children and others through difficult times. No matter the magnitude of life's difficulties, Robert would always selflessly answer the call. He spent countless hours caring for his beloved wife during her illness. One of the few pleasures that Robert afforded himself and enjoyed from the fruits of his labor was his Mercedes that he meticulously cared for and would use to frequently chauffeur his wife on long rides to the beach. Robert loved the ocean, eating lobster, and lighthouses. Robert also had a passion for swimming and demonstrated such in his assignment as an Instructor while in the Corps. He enjoyed his membership in a bicycling club, taking fishing trips with his friends, spending time at the ocean and traveling to Dover, DE, with his friends where he would watch the likes of NASCAR and other races. Robert enjoyed the times spent by Jean's side while she watched her favorite sporting events. When he wasn't rooting for Jean's favorite teams, he would watch his favorite television show "The Sopranos." He demonstrated tenderness for his pet, as well as stray dogs, that reflected his compassion as a person.
Funeral services for Robert will be held on Thursday, December 29 at 10 a.m. with Father Roy from St. Rose Church officiating at the Benjamin J. Callahan & Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Ave., East Hartford, CT. Burial to follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Robert's family would like to express their thanks for those that kept them in their prayers during this time. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that consideration be made to contributing to: Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517, www.woundedwarriorproject.org/. To leave an online condolence or for more information, please visit www.callahanfuneral.com

Published in The Hartford Courant on Dec. 28, 2011