JOHN E "JACK" HAAS died Wednesday (November 1, 2006) at the Kimball Medical Center in Ocean County after a short illness. He was 73.
Born in East Orange to the late Frank J. and Valeska (Brune) Haas, he was a lifelong resident of Martinsville.
Mr. Haas was the owner and president of the Somerville Beauty Supply and Salon in Somerville for more than 19 years until his retirement earlier this year. Mr. Haas graduated from the Maritime College at Fort Schuyler in Bronx, NY. in 1955 and then earned his master's degree in business administration from Wharton School of Business in Pennsylvania.
He was a veteran of the US Navy, serving from July 1, 1957 until his honorable discharge June 29, 1959. At the time of his discharge, he had achieved the rank of lieutenant.
Mr. Haas previously served as the president of the Bridgewater Republican Club, had served as chairman of the Somerville Business and Professional Association, enjoyed sailing and was an avid fan of the New York Giants football team and the New York Yankees baseball team.
He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, the former Joan Pitbladdo; three sons, Brian of Peaspack, Drew of Jersey City and Scott of Somerville; his brother, Harry of Seattle; four sisters, Linda Haas of Seattle; Holly Bagdonas of Pittsford, N.Y., Frankie June of Seattle and Heather Halatyn of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and two grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church on Main Street in Peapack, located directly next to the Bailey Funeral Home, with the Rev. Sheelagh Clarke officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory would be appreciated by the family, to the Fort Schuyler Merchant Marine Academy (FSMMA) '55 Cadet Scholarship Fund, C/O Charles Ford, 11220 Stokes Ferry Road, Gold Hill, N.C. 28071-7684.
Charles Ford, treasurer
Class of 1955
FMSAA