Ernest Haff

Ernest G. Haff of Ferndale, NY, a lifelong area resident, entered into his final rest on January 1, 2015, at Catskill Regional Medical surrounded by his beloved family, friends and Doctor Shahzad. He was 93.

The son of the late Francis and Charlotte (Taylor) Haff he was born April 16, 1921 in Riverdale MD. He married his beloved sweetheart, Marie Phillips on February 6, 1944.

Ernest proudly served his country in the US Marine Corps during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He then began his work for NY Telephone Company and would remain there for 35 years. He was a line engineer helping run many of the telephone lines thru out Sullivan Co.

He was also proudly engaged in his community. He began his service early to the Episcopal Church in Liberty as an acolyte. He was a graduate of Liberty High School and played on the Football team. He was the Superintendent of the Monticello Episcopal Sunday School as well as an active member of the choir and vestry. He was also the Treasurer for many years as well as an Eucharistic Lay Minister. He was an active and proud member of St. Johns for most of his life and involved in all aspects of the church.

He was a Cub Scout Leader, a member of the Telephone Pioneers, a Commissioner for Swan Lake Fire District and an active member of American Legion Post #109 in Liberty. For Post #109 he was the past Post Commander, Color Guard Leader, and Leader of the Drum and Bugle Corps. He was also active in marching in the local parades and a flag sales rep for the area.

He was very musical and enjoyed singing and preforming immensely. He was Padre in The Man from LaMancha and a charter member of Sullivan County Barber Shop Choral Aires where he sang the lead. He also enjoyed working outside, especially in his yard, garden and flower beds.

Ernest was a loving family man at heart and his family meant the world to him. He will be dearly missed. He enjoyed a long retirement and was an avid photographer of all family events.

He is survived by his children, Thomas Haff and his wife Susan and Catherine Gloor and her husband William, all of Ferndale, NY; five grandchildren, Christy Haff TerBush and her husband Kenny of Woodbourne, NY, Melissa Gloor LeBoeuf and Husband Jay of San Mateo, CA, Michael Haff and wife Christina of Youngsville, NY, Michelle Gloor and Ryan Haff both of Ferndale, NY; two great grandchildren, Brianna Torrens and Abigail Haff; one niece, Ruth Anne Forstman of Birmingham, AL; his dear companion, Jean Champlin Winters; and his dearly loved friend and Doctor, Dr. Abdul Shahzad, who provided the family with the gift of many more years.

He was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Marie; and his siblings, Cornelia, George, and Charles Haff.

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 6, 2015 from 3 pm to 7 pm in the Harris Funeral Home, West St. at Buckley, Liberty, NY.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at 11 am at St. John's Episcopal Church, 15 St. Johns Street, Monticello, NY. The Rev. Elizabeth Groskoph will officiate.

Burial will be in the Sullivan County Veteran's Cemetery, in the Spring.

Memorial Contributions in Ernest's name may be made to St. John's Episcopal Church, PO Box 107, Monticello, NY. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home, West St. at Buckley, Liberty, NY. 845-292-0001 or 845-439-5200. For directions or condolences please visit www.harris-fh.com