Thomas Earl Haney Sr.

1931 - 2025

Thomas E. Haney Sr., 94, of Springfield, Mass., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Thomas was born on June 19, 1931, in Nantahala, N.C., to the late James Monroe Haney and Mary Ethel Mason Haney. He grew up in the mountains of North Carolina, where he learned the values of hard work, kindness and family – principles that guided him throughout his long and meaningful life.
Thomas married the love of his life, Pauline A. Haney, beginning a partnership that lasted more than five decades. Together they built a home filled with love, laughter and devotion.
Thomas was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather whose gentle spirit and steady presence enriched the lives of everyone around him. He was known for his integrity, work ethic and quiet sense of humor.
Thomas found joy in the simple things in life like fishing, hunting, camping and time with family, a good conversation, and the satisfaction of a day's work done well. His strength and humility were an example to all who knew him.
As the last of his brothers and sisters, Thomas carried the stories, spirit and heart of his generation – a generation defined by resilience, love and faith. With his passing, a cherished chapter of family history comes to a close, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who follow in his footsteps.
Thomas was preceded in death by his brothers, Edward Haney, Ambrose Haney Sr. and Benjamin H. Haney Sr.; his sisters, Bonnie Hartman and Faye Anderson; and his beloved first daughter, Patricia (Haney) Pelletier.
He is survived by his children, Terry E. Haney and wife Irma, Thomas E. Haney Jr., Timothy E. Haney and wife Randi, and Tina Geane; his grandchildren, Nicholas T. Haney, Rhiannon Haney, Holly A. Geane, and Lukas B. Timmerman; and great-grandchildren, Mariah Velasquez and Lilyana Almodovar, who brought him endless joy.
The family of Thomas Haney wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Shaukat Matin for his compassionate care and many years of dedication to Thomas' health and well-being.
In keeping with Thomas' wishes, there will be no funeral or formal services. He preferred that his life be remembered through kindness and generosity.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the SPCA in Thomas' memory – a simple act of goodwill that reflects the way he lived his life: with love, humility and a giving heart.
Thomas will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.