Rudolph E. Haffner

1920 - 2018

Dr. Rudolph Eric Haffner was born on February 27, 1920 in Torun, Poland to Eric and Clara Haffner. He passed away at home in Bristol, CT on May 10, 2018 with his family by his side. Rudi came to the United States at the age of seven and his family then lived in Hell's Kitchen, NYC before moving to Maine, where his elementary school education was completed in a one-room schoolhouse. After graduating from Deering High School in Portland, Maine and earning an undergraduate degree from the University of Maine at Orono, Rudi joined the Army and served in the 2nd Division during World War II, earning the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. Returning from the war, Rudi and his high school sweetheart Jeanne Lowell were married in Portland, Maine on August 25, 1945 and were together for over 71 years. For a short time Rudi worked as a Park Ranger, and they made their first home at Mount Blue State Park in Weld, Maine. Rudi then re-focused on his education and earned a doctorate in oceanography from Yale University. He taught at Wesleyan University, Hartford College for Women, Geisinger Medical Center School of Nursing, and Bucknell University,and was editorial director for Science Publications at American Education Publications in Middletown, CT, where he helped develop Science and Math Weekly. With teaching his passion, he returned to Hartford College for Women to be their Science Director, teaching Biology and Genetics. During this time, he also taught at Trinity College. Rudi was a true Renaissance man. He was equally at ease as a scientist, educator, wood carver, father and spouse. He spoke several languages, played the violin and piano, and made jewelry, baskets, clocks, and furniture. He loved traveling, camping, canoeing and hiking. Rudi is predeceased by his wife of 71 years, Jeanne L. Haffner and his sister Christel Enns. He is survived by: daughter Anne (Otto) Wahl and granddaughters Johanna Onorato and Alexandra Wahl, son Eric (Brenda Gardner) Haffner and granddaughters Jessica Haffner and Lauren Haffner, son Peter L. (Michelle) Haffner, nieces Janice Leavitt Aman, and Kathryn Enns Dutro, nephews David Leavitt, Keith Leavitt, and James Lowell. A private ceremony is being held at the convenience of the family. The family would like to thank Rudi's caregiver, Irene Spring from Visiting Angels and all the nurses and social workers from Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care who provided exceptional care and support. Additionally, the family would like to thank Perry Bazer for his care, support and friendship of Rudi. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the University of Maine Foundation at www.umainefoundation.org\memorial or by mail to 2 Alumni Place, Orono, ME 04469-5792. Please note Rudolph Haffner's name on the check and note that the donation is for the UMaine General Scholarship.